Pink eye can develop for several reasons, and not every type is contagious. Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread from person to person, while irritant and allergic pink eye happen after exposure to specific triggers and cannot be passed to someone else.
Contagious pink eye can spread through close personal contact, respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or contaminated hands and objects. You may also become infected after touching a contaminated surface and then touching or rubbing your eyes. Sharing towels, pillows, eye makeup, eye drops, contact lenses, or lens cases may also contribute to spreading infection.
Allergic pink eye can be triggered by pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander. Irritant pink eye may occur after exposure to smoke, dust, chemical vapors, chlorine, cosmetics, contact lenses, lens solution, or something getting into the eye. These forms are not contagious.
Frequent handwashing and avoiding eye rubbing or sharing personal eye items can help reduce the spread of infectious pink eye. If you have severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, or reduced vision, seek prompt medical evaluation, as these symptoms can be associated with more serious eye problems.