Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious, but you cannot get pink eye from someone passing gas. This myth, although common, lacks scientific evidence.
No, you can’t get pink eye from a fart. Passing gas does not release the bacteria or viruses that cause conjunctivitis into the air. This myth likely started because pink eye can spread when bacteria from stool (poop) particles on your hands enter your eyes. For example, you can develop pink eye if you don’t wash your hands properly after using the bathroom and then touch your face or eyes.
Bacteria from stool can cause an eye infection once they enter the eye. However, passing gas does not push fecal matter or bacteria into the air in a way that spreads infection, and clothing acts as a barrier that keeps particles from traveling outward and causing pink eye.
Pink eye develops when something irritates, inflames, or infects the conjunctiva. Common causes include:
- Viral infections, such as the common cold
- Bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus (staph) and Streptococcus (strep)
- Allergies, like pollen, dust, or pet dander
- Chemical irritants, such as chlorine from swimming pools, smoke, or cleaning products
- Foreign objects in the eye, like dirt, contact lenses, or eyelashes
- A blocked tear duct, which is when tears can’t drain normally from the eye. It’s more common in newborns.
- Less common infectious pathogens (germs), such as fungi, amoebas (small organisms that can cause harmful diseases), or parasites
Bacterial and viral pink eye spreads easily from person to person. You can reduce your risk of infection if you:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your face
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Limit sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, makeup, eye drops, pillows, contact lenses, or eyeglasses.
- Wash pillowcases and sheets in hot water regularly
- Avoid close contact with someone who has pink eye until it clears
- Clean and store contact lenses properly
- Manage allergies by taking recommended medications and limiting exposure to triggers, such as pollen.
