How long can pink eye "live" on surfaces?

This depends on what caused the pink eye and the conditions of the surface on which it lives. However, most bacteria are not able to survive after 2 to 8 hours, though some last for 2 days or more. Viruses tend to be more hardy, with most surviving 24 to 48 hours. Some viruses can last up to 8 weeks. Cleaning properly with bleach or other antimicrobial cleaner would destroy most bacteria and viruses immediately.

This question was originally answered on Mar. 16, 2015.