Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that spreads quickly, especially in close quarters like homes, daycares, and schools. Whether caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies, preventing its spread is key to protecting everyone in your household. At My Optometrist in Calgary and Three Hills, we help families understand how to manage eye infections safely and effectively. With a few simple hygiene strategies, and professional care when needed, you can reduce the risk of infection spreading to other family members. Here’s how to stop pink eye from taking over your home and when to seek help from your local optometrist. Contact My Optometrist Calgary today to book an eye exam.
Understanding Why Pink Eye Spreads So Easily at Home
Pink eye is extremely contagious—especially the viral and bacterial forms. It spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions, contaminated hands, or shared items like pillowcases, towels, or eye makeup. Children are particularly susceptible due to frequent hand-eye contact and limited awareness of hygiene habits. At My Optometrist in Calgary and Three Hills, we’ve seen how quickly pink eye can move through families, especially when kids are in school or daycare. That’s why early intervention and hygiene awareness are so important.
1. Practise Proper Hand Hygiene to Protect the Whole Household
Frequent and thorough handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pink eye. Encourage everyone in the household to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- After touching the face or eyes
- After applying eye drops or ointment
- Before and after meals
- After contact with someone who has pink eye
Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers is also helpful when soap and water aren't immediately available. Teaching children proper hand hygiene can be one of the most effective ways to stop pink eye from circulating.
2. Disinfect Surfaces and Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Pink eye viruses and bacteria can survive on surfaces for hours. Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, counters, light switches, and remote controls with disinfectant wipes or solutions daily.
Additionally, prevent cross-contamination by avoiding the sharing of:
- Towels and face cloths
- Pillowcases and bedding
- Makeup or eye creams
- Contact lenses or lens solution
- Eyedrop bottles (even for over-the-counter drops)
At My Optometrist, we remind patients that even casual sharing—like handing a child a tissue or rubbing your eyes after helping them—can lead to infection if precautions aren't taken.
3. Know When to Seek Professional Eye Care in Calgary or Three Hills
While mild pink eye may clear up on its own, professional evaluation ensures it’s properly diagnosed and treated. If symptoms persist beyond a few days, worsen, or include pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes, it’s time to visit your optometrist.
My Optometrist offers compassionate care for patients in Calgary and Three Hills. We assess whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or allergic and provide treatment accordingly. In bacterial cases, prescription drops may be necessary. If you are allergic, we recommend appropriate antihistamines, or eye drops to relieve symptoms and reduce irritation.
Stop Pink Eye Before It Spreads
Pink eye doesn’t have to disrupt your household. By emphasizing hand hygiene, avoiding shared personal items, and cleaning your home’s high-contact surfaces, you can significantly reduce the risk of spread. And when symptoms appear, prompt diagnosis and care from professionals like the team at My Optometrist in Calgary and Three Hills can make a big difference.
If you or a family member is experiencing pink eye symptoms, don’t wait. My Optometrist offers care for patients of all ages, with two convenient locations in Sunridge and Sundance in Calgary, and in Three Hills, Alberta.
Contact My Optometrist Calgary to book an appointment today to receive expert pink eye care and protect your household’s eye health.
FAQs
Q: How does pink eye spread in a household?
A: Pink eye spreads through direct contact with infected tears, eye discharge, or contaminated hands and surfaces.
Q: Is pink eye contagious for everyone in the home?
A: Yes. Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious, especially among family members in close contact. Please contact My Optometrist Calgary if you are experiencing any symptoms. Our professional guidance will help mitigate the spread of pink eye.
Q: Can hand sanitizer stop the spread of pink eye?
A: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help, but regular handwashing with soap and water is more effective.