Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is inflammation in the conjunctiva in your eye. The medical name for it is conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelid.

Pink eye is extremely common. It can affect one eye or both at the same time. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute pink eye lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic pink eye lasts for more than four weeks.

Just like it sounds, pink eye can make the white part of your eye look pink or reddish. It can also make your eyelids look puffy or droopy. You may notice discharge coming from your eyes.

Pink eye caused by an infection can easily spread. You can accidentally pass it to other people or spread it from one eye to the other.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye)

The most common conjunctivitis symptoms include:

• Red eye
• Thick eye discharge that’s often yellow, green or white
• Crusting on your eyelashes or eyelids
• Feeling like something’s stuck in your eye
• Watery, itchy, irritated eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurred vision that might come and go
• Light sensitivity
• Swollen eyelids
• Eye pain (usually mild)

Pink eye can share symptoms with lots of other eye conditions. Visit an eye doctor if you notice any changes in your eyes, especially if they hurt or you notice discharge. If you wear contacts, take them out and stop wearing them until you see an eye doctor.

What causes conjunctivitis?

Healthcare providers usually divide conjunctivitis into two categories — infectious and noninfectious.

Infectious pink eye is when an infection causes inflammation in the conjunctiva. Any type of infection can cause pink eye, including:

• Viral infections: Infections from the adenovirus family are the most common cause of acute pink eye. Other viral infections that can cause viral conjunctivitis include measles, mumps, COVID-19, eye herpes, molluscum contagiosum, and hand, foot and mouth disease.
• Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections are the second most common cause of pink eye. The bacteria that cause staph infections, strep throat and some types of meningitis can all cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can, too.
• Fungal and parasitic infections: It’s possible for a fungus or parasite to cause pink eye. But it’s much less common.

Noninfectious pink eye is when something other than an infection causes inflammation in the conjunctiva. This is pink eye that doesn’t spread to you from other people, animals or contaminated objects. Examples include:

• Allergens: Molds, pollen or other substances that cause allergies can irritate your conjunctiva. This is called allergic conjunctivitis.
• Irritants or toxic substances: Anything that gets in your eye can cause inflammation. This includes soap, cosmetics, dirt, smoke or pool chlorine. Your contact lenses or contact solution can irritate your eyes sometimes, too, even if they usually don’t. Some medications can cause eye redness, which may be mistaken for pink eye, as a side effect.
• Eye injuries: Anything that damages your conjunctiva can lead to conjunctivitis.
• Other health conditions: Autoimmune diseases can cause eye redness that may be mistaken for pink eye. In rare cases, so can tumors or eye cancers. These conditions need prompt evaluation by an eye doctor.

Complications of this condition

It’s rare for conjunctivitis to cause permanent eye damage or vision loss. But other, more serious eye conditions can look like pink eye. See an eye doctor if your symptoms get worse after a few days or if you have severe eye pain, light sensitivity or changes in your vision. Prompt treatment is the best way to help prevent complications.

How doctors diagnose pink eye

A healthcare provider will diagnose conjunctivitis with an eye exam. They’ll examine your eyes and ask about any symptoms you’ve had. Tell your provider when you first noticed symptoms and if they’ve changed or gotten worse.

Your provider may also test for infections. They’ll use a soft-tipped swab to collect some of the fluid oozing from your eye for lab testing. They’ll use the results to guide your treatment.

Pink eye treatments

Most of the time, you can treat pink eye symptoms at home until they get better. Your healthcare provider will suggest ways to manage symptoms, including:

• NSAIDs or other over-the-counter medications that relieve inflammation
• Steroid eye drops
• Artificial tears or prescription eye drops
• Holding a warm or cool compress to your closed eye (don’t share washcloths or towels with others)
• Wearing your glasses instead of contacts while you have symptoms
• Throwing away the contacts and case you were using before you noticed symptoms

Your provider might give you medications to treat a specific cause, including:

• Medications like antivirals or antibiotics to treat an infection
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage allergies

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if you think you have pink eye and the symptoms keep getting worse after a few days.

See a provider right away if you experience:

• A severe sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision or a decrease in your vision
• Severe eye pain
• A feeling that there’s something stuck in your eye
• A large amount of eye discharge

What can I expect if I have this condition?

How long conjunctivitis lasts depends on what caused it. Most viral infections typically last five to seven days, but some last three to four weeks. Bacterial infections usually last around 10 days. Allergy-related pink eye lasts as long you’re around the allergen that’s irritating your eyes.

The outlook for pink eye is good, especially with treatment. Milder cases often go away on their own.

Call your provider if it seems like treatments aren’t helping. They may be able to adjust your medications.

Can you prevent pink eye?

You may not always be able to prevent conjunctivitis. But following these tips can lower your risk:

• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Use soap and water if your hands look or feel dirty. If they don’t, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure it’s at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands before touching your face and eyes, especially when you’re putting in or taking out your contacts.
• Wear eye protection. Always wear the right eyewear for any work or hobbies. Your regular glasses usually aren’t a good substitute for safety goggles.
• Never share items that touch your eyes. Grooming and hygiene tools can spread conjunctivitis very easily. Don’t share makeup applicators, personal grooming items, washcloths, towels, sheets or anything else that directly touches your eyes.