Pink Eye: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Care
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Introduction
Pink eye conjunctivitis symptoms causes treatment and when to seek care
This guide uses “pink eye” as the short name below.
Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane over the eye’s white area1,5. This membrane also lines the inner surface of each eyelid1,5.
Viruses, bacteria, allergies, chemicals, and contact lens use can cause pink eye1,2. Many cases are mild, but some red eyes need prompt medical care3,5.
Overview: What Is Pink Eye?
How conjunctivitis affects the eye
Inflamed blood vessels become more visible through the clear conjunctiva5. This change makes the white part of the eye look pink or red5.
Pink eye can affect one or both eyes5,10. An infection can spread between the eyes when someone touches both eyes1. However, not every red eye is pink eye7.
The condition may be acute or chronic3,10. Acute pink eye lasts less than four weeks, while chronic pink eye lasts longer10.
Pink eye rarely harms vision, but serious eye disorders can look similar5,10. Pain, reduced vision, or strong light sensitivity may signal another eye problem1,5.
Infectious and noninfectious pink eye
Pink eye can be infectious or noninfectious3,10. Viruses and bacteria cause the main infectious forms3. Allergies, toxins, and local irritants cause common noninfectious forms3.
Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread to other people1,2. Allergic pink eye is not contagious2,5. Pink eye caused by an external irritant is also not contagious1.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Common pink eye symptoms
Pink eye symptoms can affect the eyeball, eyelids, lashes, or both eyes. Common symptoms include these changes:
One or both eyes may look red or pink5.
The eyes may become watery, itchy, or irritated5,10.
Burning or a gritty feeling may occur1,5.
Eyelids may appear swollen, puffy, or droopy10.
Discharge may look clear, white, yellow, or green5,10.
Discharge may form crusts on the eyelids or lashes5,10.
The eyelids may stick together after sleep1,5.
A person may feel that something is inside the eye5,10.
Blurred vision can come and go with pink eye10. Lasting blurred vision after wiping away discharge needs medical assessment4.
Poor vision and increased light sensitivity are rare with simple conjunctivitis1. These symptoms may indicate a more serious eye condition1,5.
How symptoms may differ by type
Watery discharge favors viral or allergic pink eye6. Thick, pus-like discharge favors a bacterial cause6. Bacterial discharge may mat the eyelids together, especially after sleep1,6.
Itching is a typical sign of allergic pink eye1. Allergic pink eye often affects both eyes and causes tearing5,6. Sneezing or watery nasal discharge may occur with it5.
Viral pink eye may occur with a cold or another respiratory infection2,5. Symptoms may start in one eye before affecting the other3,6.
These patterns provide clues, but they cannot confirm the cause. No single sign reliably separates viral pink eye from bacterial pink eye1,6. Their symptoms often overlap with each other and allergic pink eye2.
Causes and Types of Pink Eye
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral pink eye is the most common infectious form in adults6,7. Adenovirus is the most common virus found in these cases6.
Other viral causes include herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses2,5. These viruses may cause more serious forms of pink eye2,4.
Some viral cases occur with fever, a sore throat, or a runny nose2,7. Viral symptoms may begin quickly and later affect both eyes3,6.
Viral pink eye can spread through infected tears or eye discharge2. Contaminated hands, objects, and respiratory fluids may also spread it2.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial pink eye is more common in children than adults3,6. It often produces thick discharge that mats the eyelids together2,6.
Many types of bacteria can cause conjunctivitis2,3. Some sexually transmitted infections can also infect the eyes2,3.
Bacterial pink eye spreads through contact with infected eye fluids2,3. Contaminated objects and large respiratory droplets may also spread it2.
Contact lens use with a red eye raises concern for keratitis6. Keratitis affects the clear front surface of the eye and can threaten vision2,6. Lens wearers should remove their contacts and arrange prompt eye care2,5,6.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic pink eye is a reaction to substances such as pollen or animal dander1,2. Dust mites and mold can also trigger it1,2.
This form commonly affects both eyes5,6. Itching, tearing, redness, sneezing, and a watery nose may occur1,5.
People with hay fever, asthma, or eczema may develop allergic pink eye2. Removing the allergen from the person’s surroundings may improve symptoms4.
Allergic pink eye does not spread between people2,5. Its watery discharge can still resemble viral pink eye6.
Irritants, contact lenses, and other causes
Many everyday substances can irritate the conjunctiva. Possible irritants include the following items:
Smoke, soap, cosmetics, dirt, and pool chlorine can irritate the eye10.
Dry air and irritating liquids can inflame the conjunctiva1.
A chemical splash can cause redness and irritation5.
A foreign object may irritate or scratch the eye5,6.
Contact lenses or lens solution may irritate the eyes2,10.
Poorly cleaned contact lenses can contribute to bacterial pink eye5.
A blocked tear duct can cause pink eye symptoms in a newborn5.
Fungal and parasitic infections can cause pink eye, but they are much less common10. Other health problems can also cause eye redness that resembles pink eye10.
How Pink Eye Is Diagnosed
Medical history and eye examination
Clinicians usually diagnose pink eye through an eye examination and medical history4. They ask when symptoms began and whether they changed or worsened10.
They may ask about itching, discharge, sticky eyelids, and a gritty feeling1. Recent illness, allergy symptoms, and contact lens use can offer useful clues2,6. The clinician also notes whether one or both eyes are affected6.
The examination may include a vision check6. The clinician may inspect the eye, eyelids, and nearby skin6.
Turning the eyelid outward can reveal a hidden foreign object6. Fluorescein dye may help find a corneal scratch, ulcer, or object6.
When testing may be needed
Most cases do not require laboratory testing1,4. Sometimes, a clinician collects eye fluid with a soft swab10. The laboratory results may help guide treatment10.
A discharge sample may help when another disease is suspected1. Burning during urination with eye symptoms may suggest gonorrhea1. A clinician can then choose testing based on the full symptom pattern1,10.
Conditions that can look like pink eye
Several serious conditions can cause a red eye. Clinicians may need to rule out these disorders:
Keratitis may affect the cornea, especially in contact lens wearers2,6.
A corneal scratch, ulcer, or foreign object can cause redness and pain6.
Uveitis can resemble conjunctivitis and requires medical assessment6.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma can also resemble pink eye6.
Herpes infections may cause blisters near the eyelids or nose6.
Cellulitis may cause redness or swelling around the eye6.
Pain, reduced vision, and marked light sensitivity may indicate serious disease1,5,6. These symptoms are not common with simple conjunctivitis1.
Another eyelid condition may cause similar irritation. Read more about [blepharitis and eyelid care](/conditions/blepharitis-symptoms-causes-treatment-eyelid-care-d7c27c).
Treatment and Home Care for Pink Eye
Safe ways to relieve symptoms at home
Cold compresses and artificial tears can ease inflammation and dryness4. These items are available without a prescription4.
Resting the eyes may also help during recovery1. Reducing screen time can give irritated eyes a break1.
These home care steps can reduce discomfort safely:
Place a clean, cold compress over the closed eye4.
Use artificial tears to ease dryness and irritation4.
Take breaks from screens when the eyes feel tired1.
Stop wearing contact lenses while symptoms remain4.
Avoid touching the eyes with fingers or bottle tips1.
Do not share eye drops with another person1.
Use separate towels and washcloths during an infection1,2.
Contact lenses should remain out until symptoms end or an eye doctor approves reuse4. A lens wearer with a red eye should also arrange prompt eye assessment2,5,6.
Treatment for viral pink eye
Most mild viral cases clear without treatment within 7 to 14 days4. Some cases last 2 to 3 weeks or longer4.
Cold compresses and artificial tears may relieve symptoms during recovery4,6. Antibiotics do not treat viral pink eye because they cannot treat viruses4.
A clinician may prescribe antiviral medicine for more serious viral infections2,4. These include pink eye caused by herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses2,4.
Treatment for bacterial pink eye
Mild bacterial pink eye may improve without antibiotics within 2 to 5 days4. Complete recovery can take up to 2 weeks4.
Prescription antibiotic drops or ointment may shorten the infection4. They may also reduce complications and lower the risk of spread4.
Antibiotics may be needed when the eye produces pus4. They may also be needed with weak immune function or certain suspected bacteria4. A clinician should decide whether these medicines are suitable.
Contact lens wearers with bacterial pink eye have a higher risk of bacterial keratitis2. They should remove their lenses and receive topical antibiotics2. They also need prompt assessment by an eye doctor2.
Treatment for allergic pink eye
Removing the allergen from the surroundings may ease allergic pink eye4. Allergy medicines and certain eye drops may also provide relief4.
Antihistamine drops can help control allergy symptoms4. Drops with mast cell-stabilizing action are a preferred treatment for allergic conjunctivitis6. A clinician can help choose an eye drop4.
Do not share eye drops or touch the bottle tip to the eye1. A contaminated bottle can spread infectious pink eye1.
Care for irritant-related pink eye
Flushing and cleaning the eye may remove an irritating chemical or object5. Irritation may clear within about one day after the substance is removed5.
Ongoing symptoms can mean an object remains in the eye5. They may also signal a scratch on the cornea or conjunctiva5.
When to See a Doctor for Pink Eye
Urgent warning signs
Some symptoms are not typical of simple pink eye. Seek urgent medical care if any of these warning signs appear:
If eye pain occurs, seek urgent medical care5.
If strong light sensitivity occurs, seek urgent medical care5.
If blurred vision remains after wiping discharge, seek urgent medical care4,5.
If something feels stuck in the eye, seek urgent medical care5.
If poor vision occurs with severe headache, seek fast medical care1.
If nausea or vomiting occurs with vision problems, seek fast medical care1.
Other changes also need assessment by a healthcare provider:
If redness becomes intense, see a healthcare provider4.
If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, see a healthcare provider4.
If bacterial pink eye remains after 24 antibiotic hours, contact the prescriber4.
If a blistering rash appears near the eye or nose, seek specialist care6.
If a red eye follows recent eye surgery, seek specialist care6.
If immune function is weak, see a healthcare provider for pink eye4,6.
Newborns and contact lens wearers
A newborn with pink eye symptoms needs medical evaluation right away4. Infections and blocked tear ducts can cause eye symptoms in newborns2,5.
Contact lens use with a red eye raises concern for a corneal infection6. Remove the lenses when pink eye symptoms begin5. Arrange prompt eye care instead of judging the cause from discharge alone2,6.
Chemical splashes and foreign objects
If a chemical enters the eye, begin flushing it out5. A chemical splash can cause lasting eye damage5.
Seek care quickly if flushing does not resolve the symptoms5. If the chemical is caustic, seek eye care as soon as possible5. Lye is one example of a caustic chemical5.
Continued discomfort may mean an object remains or the eye was scratched5. A lasting foreign-body feeling also needs urgent medical care5.
Is Pink Eye Contagious? Preventing Spread
How contagious pink eye spreads
Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious1,2. Allergic and irritant-related pink eye do not spread between people1,2.
Infectious pink eye can spread through hand-to-eye contact2. Tears and eye discharge can carry the infection2.
Contaminated towels, tissues, washcloths, and eye-drop bottles may spread germs1. Viral and bacterial forms may also spread through respiratory fluids or large droplets2.
Touching both eyes can move an infection from one eye to the other1. Careful hygiene helps reduce this risk2,5.
Everyday prevention
Use these habits to limit the spread of infectious pink eye:
Wash your hands often, especially after touching the eye1,2.
Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands1,5.
Use separate towels and washcloths during the infection1,2.
Use a clean towel and washcloth each day5.
Change pillowcases often while the eye is draining5.
Throw away old eye cosmetics, including mascara5.
Do not share eye drops, cosmetics, towels, or washcloths1,5.
Avoid touching the eye with an eye-drop bottle1.
School, work, and close contact
People with infectious pink eye and general illness signs should remain home2. An infected student should stay home when close contact cannot be avoided2.
Schools and workplaces may follow their own return rules. Check current guidance from the school, workplace, or clinician.
Medical treatment is not needed for every case of pink eye4. Antibiotics do not help viral pink eye4. Attendance decisions should account for illness signs and unavoidable close contact2.
Conclusion
Pink eye may come from viruses, bacteria, allergies, chemicals, or other irritants1,2. Watery or pus-like discharge offers clues, but it cannot confirm the cause1,6.
Cold compresses and artificial tears may ease discomfort4. Handwashing and separate linens help limit the spread of infectious pink eye1,2.
Seek urgent care for pain, lasting blurred vision, light sensitivity, or a stuck-object feeling4,5. Newborns need medical assessment right away4. Contact lens wearers with a red eye should remove their lenses and arrange prompt eye care2,5,6.
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