What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious and can spread easily through contact with eye discharge from someone who is infected. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by a reaction to substances like pollen or animal dander. Irritant conjunctivitis can occur after exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants (AAO, 2022).
Common symptoms of pink eye include (Mayo Clinic, 2022):
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Watery discharge
- Itchy eyes
- Burning or gritty sensation in the eyes
- Crusting of eyelashes or eyelids
Treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis may clear up on their own, but antibiotic eye drops can speed healing and reduce contagiousness. Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with allergy medications and avoiding triggers. Irritant conjunctivitis requires identifying and avoiding the irritant (AAO, 2022).
How is Pink Eye Spread?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is very contagious and easily spreads from person to person. Both viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are highly infectious. Pink eye tends to spread through direct and indirect contact with discharge from the eyes, nose, or throat of an infected person.
The viral form is often caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and spreads through respiratory secretions and contact with contaminated surfaces. Adenovirus is a common cause of viral conjunctivitis. Viral pink eye can spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated hands or objects.
Bacterial pink eye can result from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and is also spread via contaminated hands and objects. Newborns can get gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitis from passage through an infected birth canal. Both viral and bacterial pink eye tend to be very contagious before treatment begins.
While pink eye can feel unpleasant, following good hygiene practices, avoiding touching the eyes, washing hands frequently, cleaning contaminated surfaces, and not sharing items like towels or pillows can help control the spread of conjunctivitis (1).
(1) https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/transmission.html
Can Cats Cause Pink Eye?
Yes, cats can get pink eye (conjunctivitis) from bacteria and viruses that are specific to felines. Some common causes of feline pink eye include:
- Chlamydia – Caused by Chlamydophila felis bacteria. This is the most common cause of infectious pink eye in cats. It is very contagious between cats.
- Herpesvirus – Herpesvirus-1 or feline herpesvirus is another major cause of pink eye in cats.
- Calicivirus – Like herpesvirus, calicivirus is an upper respiratory infection that can lead to pink eye.
While humans cannot catch chlamydia or herpes from cats, cat-specific pink eye bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces. So it’s possible for humans to indirectly pick up an infection by touching contaminated objects like food bowls, toys, or bedding [1].
The most common way for humans to get pink eye from a cat is through contact with respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or runny eyes. So people should avoid touching their eyes after interacting with a cat that has signs of an eye infection.
It’s also possible for bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus to cause pink eye in both cats and humans. So pet owners should practice good hygiene like hand washing when handling a cat with symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Can Sharing a Pillow Spread Pink Eye?
Yes, sharing a pillow can potentially spread pink eye from one person to another. This is because bacteria and viruses that cause pink eye can survive on pillowcases and bedding, allowing transmission through contact.
Pillow hygiene is very important in preventing pink eye spread. Pillowcases used by an infected person contain their eye discharge, tears and mucus which harbor the contagious pathogens. Studies show that viruses like adenovirus can persist on surfaces for weeks. Not changing or washing pillowcases frequently allows these bugs to remain infectious until the next person uses the pillow.
Sleeping habits also play a role. Many people rub their eyes on their pillow while sleeping. If the pillowcase is contaminated with pink eye causing germs, they can enter the eyes through this contact and set up an infection. Sharing pillows allows for greater transmission between people sleeping closely together.
To reduce pink eye risks from pillows, it’s recommended to use a fresh pillowcase every night during an active infection. Wash bedding in hot water regularly. Don’t share pillows with someone who has pink eye. Be vigilant about handwashing around bedtime. These measures help cut down on the presence and spread of pink eye pathogens through pillow contact.
Mitigating Risks
There are several steps pet owners can take to reduce the chances of contracting conjunctivitis or pink eye from cats:
Wash bed linens, blankets, pillowcases frequently using hot water and detergent to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present. Change pillowcases at least twice a week. According to vets, frequent washing of fabrics your cat comes in contact with is recommended to reduce disease transmission (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/conjunctivitis-in-cats).
Do not allow cats access to sleep in your bed. Keep cats off pillows, blankets and sheets as much as possible. Restrict access to bedrooms to further reduce sharing of fabrics and close contact.
Disinfect hard surfaces regularly with an antimicrobial cleaner. Focus on areas your cat frequents like countertops, tables, windowsills. Bleach solutions may be effective but check with your vet. Properly disinfecting environments can inactivate many cat viruses and bacteria (https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/conjunctivitis-in-cats).
Seeking Treatment
If pink eye symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical treatment. The first line of defense is usually over-the-counter eye drops like artificial tears to help soothe irritation and lubricate the eyes.
However, a doctor visit is often necessary to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The doctor will examine the eyes and may do some tests to determine if the pink eye is caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergen. Once the cause is identified, the right treatment plan can be prescribed.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed to help clear the infection. Some common antibiotic eye drops used for pink eye treatment include polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim drops such as Polytrim, moxifloxacin drops such as Moxeza, and tobramycin drops such as Tobradex. Using antibiotic eye drops as directed is important to fully treat the condition.
According to the CDC, “Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given topically as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial conjunctivitis.” https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/treatment.html
The Mayo Clinic also recommends prescription antibiotic eye drops, stating “For bacterial pink eye, your doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376360
Preventing Reinfection
Completing the full course of any prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment is crucial to preventing reinfection and stopping the spread of pink eye. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and use the medication for the entire time period, even if symptoms seem to clear up sooner (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Follow up with your doctor as recommended to ensure the infection has fully cleared. They may want to examine your eyes again or conduct tests to verify the bacteria or virus is gone (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). This follow up helps prevent lingering infections or recurrences.
Making lifestyle changes can also lower risks. Wash bed linens frequently and avoid reusing towels or washcloths. Clean surfaces like doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards and toys regularly. Avoid rubbing eyes, and wash hands frequently, especially after touching contaminated surfaces (CDC, 2022). Limit contact with infected individuals until antibiotic treatment is complete.
Caring for a Cat with Pink Eye
If your cat has pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, it’s important to take steps to care for your cat and prevent the infection from spreading. Some tips include:
Isolate the Infected Cat: Keep cats with conjunctivitis separated from other pets to prevent spreading the infection. Set up the sick cat in a comfortable quarantine area with food, water, litter box and toys.
Disinfect Thoroughly: Pink eye in cats can spread through contact with contaminated litter boxes, food bowls, bedding and toys. Disinfect these items daily with a veterinary-grade disinfectant. Scoop litter boxes twice daily and replace litter frequently.
Seek Veterinary Care: Take the cat to a veterinarian for an exam and to get appropriate medication like antibiotic eye drops/ointment or antiviral medication, which can help clear up the infection. Follow dosage instructions carefully. Return for follow-ups if symptoms persist.
Conjunctivitis in cats is very contagious. Proper treatment and disinfection measures can help resolve pink eye infections while keeping other pets healthy. Consult a vet if your cat’s eyes don’t improve within a few days.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, pink eye will clear up within a week or two without treatment. However, you should see a doctor if your symptoms persist longer than a week or get significantly worse. According to the CDC, you should seek medical care if you experience:
- Pain in the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does not improve when discharge is wiped from the eye(s)
- Intense redness in the white of the eye
You should also see an optometrist or ophthalmologist right away if you experience any changes in your vision, as this could signal a more serious eye condition. The Mayo Clinic recommends contacting your doctor immediately if you have reduced vision, double vision, flashes of light, or sudden onset of floaters in your field of vision.
In addition, the CDC advises seeking prompt medical care if you have a high fever along with conjunctivitis. This could indicate a severe case of bacterial pink eye that requires prescription antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics. Without treatment, some bacteria can spread and cause damage to the cornea.
In summary, pink eye often resolves on its own, but contact your doctor if symptoms last longer than a week, you experience vision changes, or have a high fever along with conjunctivitis. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and permanent vision damage.
Conclusion
While cats can carry bacteria that causes pink eye, the risk of transmission from sharing a pillow is low. The most common causes of pink eye are viruses, bacteria, allergens, and irritants. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding touching your eyes can help prevent infection.
If you suspect pink eye, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are often prescribed to clear bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Keep your hands clean, avoid sharing linens or towels, and don’t touch your eyes to prevent spreading pink eye.
While inconvenient, pink eye is easily managed with medication. Proper treatment ensures the infection clears and doesn’t recur. Left untreated, pink eye can lead to vision problems. So it’s important to see your doctor and follow treatment guidelines to recovery.