Is It Typical to Experience Pink Eye in Just One Eye? (18F)
I’m an 18-year-old female, and I suspect I have contracted pink eye in my right eye. My reasoning for this assumption stems from a recent visit to see my niece, who was diagnosed with pink eye, and I inadvertently touched my face afterward. Currently, the only remedy I have on hand is a bottle of eyedrops, which seem to be primarily composed of saline. Do you think they will be effective in alleviating my symptoms?
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 4:40:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's quite common to experience pink eye (conjunctivitis) in just one eye, especially if it's caused by an infection or allergens. Since you've recently been near someone diagnosed with pink eye and have symptoms, it’s wise to address this concern.
Explanation: Pink eye can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants. Given your situation, the timing after being in contact with someone who has the condition makes viral or bacterial conjunctivitis possible. Symptoms often include redness, itching, discharge, or tearing in the affected eye. It's also possible for symptoms to start in one eye and develop in the other later.
Next Steps:
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Use Your Saline Eye Drops: The saline drops can provide some comfort by flushing out irritants and keeping your eye moist. It’s fine to use them to alleviate dryness or irritation.
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Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This can worsen symptoms and spread any potential infection, especially if you used your hands on your niece or around her.
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Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your face or eyes, to prevent spreading the infection to others or to your other eye.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience increased redness, swelling, pain, or if discharge becomes thick or yellow, you may need more specific treatment, which could include antibiotic drops if a bacterial infection is confirmed.
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Avoid Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, avoid using them until your symptoms have resolved to prevent further irritation and potential infection.
It's good to remain observant of your symptoms, and if you're not improving in a few days or if symptoms worsen, you may need further advice regarding treatment options. Let me know if you have further questions or need more information!
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