Can a Sinus Infection Spread to the Eyes Causing Pink Eye?

The Relationship Between Sinus Infections and Pink Eye

Pink eye, known medically as conjunctivitis, refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. There are several causes of pink eye, including bacterial or viral infections, allergies, and irritants. Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, occur when the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. This can interfere with drainage and cause mucus buildup, pain, and pressure around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.

Can a Sinus Infection Spread to the Eyes?

It is possible for a sinus infection to spread to the eyes, causing pink eye symptoms. The sinuses are connected to the nasal passages and share some of the same mucus drainage pathways as the eyes and tears ducts. If sinus inflammation impacts these drainage pathways, it can force bacteria into areas they don't normally reside, including the eyes.

The most common bacteria implicated in both sinus infections and pink eye is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis can also sometimes spread from infected sinuses to the eyes, leading to bacterial pink eye.

Signs Your Pink Eye May Be Related to a Sinus Infection

If you develop pink eye around the same time as sinus infection symptoms or while you're in treatment for a sinus infection, it could be an indication that the two conditions are connected. Signs that your pink eye may be secondary to sinusitis include:

• Green, yellow, or brown discharge from the eye, indicating a bacterial cause.
• Buildup of thick crust on the eyelids or lashes
• Burning or gritty sensation in the eyes
• Pus formations in the tear ducts
• Eyelids stuck together with discharge upon waking up
• Sinus pressure around the nose, cheeks, or forehead concurrent with eye symptoms

Treating Pink Eye Related to a Sinus Infection

If a sinus infection appears to be at the root of pink eye symptoms, treatments will focus on clearing up the underlying sinusitis in order to relieve secondary issues like conjunctivitis. Typical treatments include:

• Oral antibiotics specifically for sinus infections, like amoxicillin or augmentin
• Nasal steroid sprays to reduce sinus inflammation
• Oral antihistamines if allergies are contributing to symptoms
• Decongestants to allow mucus drainage
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen to ease sinus pressure
• Warm compresses over the sinuses to loosen mucus
• Saline nasal rinses to flush out mucus and irritants
• Topical antibiotic eye drops or ointments to clear up residual pink eye

Preventing Pink Eye Related to Sinus Infections

Once you experience a bout of secondary pink eye caused by a sinus infection, you may be concerned about recurrence. Preventative measures come down to reducing your chances of developing another sinus infection:

Use Humidifiers

Keeping nasal passages and sinuses moisturized with the steam from cool mist humidifiers can help thin out mucus secretions and prevent painful congestion and inflammation in the sinuses. This also discourages the bacteria propagation than can travel to the eyes as pink eye.

Rinse Sinuses

Regular use of saline sprays and rinses can help keep nasal passages and sinuses clear of potential allergens, irritants, and bacteria buildup that leads to infection. Distilled water mixed with kosher salt, sodium bicarbonate, or sterile packets makes an affordable at-home rinse.

Take Nasal Steroids

For chronic or recurrent sinusitis, nasal steroid sprays may be recommended for long term use. Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication like Flonase or Rhinocort helps reduce sinus swelling and inflammation, keeping mucus secretions in check.

Use Topical Antibiotics Preventatively

In some cases, a doctor may advise using antibiotic eye drops or ointments daily while sinus infection symptoms are present or even when symptoms resolve to prevent secondary pink eye inflammation.

See an ENT

If sinus infections are a perpetual problem leading to other issues like pink eye, see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT). They can examine your nasal anatomy for structural issues that may contribute to recurrent sinusitis and suggest tailored treatment options.

The Bottom Line

Sinus infections can occasionally spread bacteria to the eyes, causing an secondary infection known as pink eye or conjunctivitis. Typical signs include greenish eye discharge, sinus pressure, and irritated eyes concurrently or immediately following a sinus infection. Treatments focus on clearing up the root sinus infection. Preventative measures aim to keep sinus inflammation and stuffiness at bay through moisturization, nasal rinsing, steroid nasal sprays, and antibiotics if prescribed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.