Pink eye (conjunctivitis): causes, symptoms and care

In short

• Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Viral, bacterial and allergic causes are the most common.
• Viral pink eye is the most common type, often arrives with a cold, and usually resolves in 7 to 14 days. Antibiotics do not work on viral or allergic pink eye.
• Viral and bacterial pink eye spread easily from person to person. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
• Cold compresses and artificial tears ease most mild cases, and contact lenses should stay out until the eye has healed.
• Get prompt care for eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision that does not clear when you wipe away discharge, very intense redness, a weakened immune system, or any symptoms in a newborn.

What pink eye is

The conjunctiva is a clear, thin layer that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. When its blood vessels swell, the eye looks pink or red. It is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions, and it can affect one eye or both. Children catch it from germs more often than adults do.

• Viral: the most common type, often with a cold, and highly contagious.
• Bacterial: less common, also contagious, and often with thick discharge.
• Allergic: triggered by pollen, animals, smoke, pool chlorine, car fumes and similar irritants. It is not contagious.
• Irritant: chemicals, a foreign object such as a loose eyelash, or contact lens wear can inflame the conjunctiva too.

Symptoms

• Pink or red whites of the eyes, with swollen or puffy eyelids.
• A gritty or burning feeling, an urge to rub the eye, and watery eyes.
• Discharge, either watery, mucus or pus, sometimes enough to crust the lashes after sleep.
• Itching, which stands out in allergic pink eye.
• Sticky pus on the eyelashes is a sign of a contagious infection, while allergic pink eye brings red, watery eyes without it.

Pain, marked light sensitivity and blurred vision are not typical of a simple case. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that other eye conditions, such as keratitis, can mimic pink eye, which is why persistent or worsening symptoms deserve an eye exam.

How it spreads

Infectious pink eye passes on through hand-to-eye contact with infected fluids or contaminated surfaces. Bacteria from your own nose and sinuses can also be the source. Poor contact lens hygiene, poorly fitting lenses and decorative lenses add to the risk.

Good hygiene limits the spread, and the steps below do most of the work.

What you can do at home

1. Soothe.Use cold compresses and over-the-counter artificial tears to calm inflammation and dryness. The NHS also suggests wiping the eyelids with a cotton wool pad and cooled boiled water, a fresh pad for each eye.
2. Wash your hands.Wash often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, sneezing or coughing, and wash again right after you touch your eyes.
3. Keep things separate.Use a clean towel or tissue each time you wipe your face or eyes, and do not share towels or pillows. Wash pillowcases and face cloths in hot water.
4. Skip lenses and makeup.Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup while the eye is infected, and avoid lenses until an eye doctor says they are safe.
5. Ask the pharmacist.A pharmacist can suggest eye drops or antihistamines for the allergic form.

When to see a doctor

• Moderate to severe eye pain, or marked sensitivity to light.
• Blurred vision that does not improve after you wipe away discharge.
• Intense redness.
• Symptoms that last longer than about 2 weeks, or that get worse.
• A weakened immune system, or pus-like discharge.
• A bacterial infection that is not better 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

A newborn with any pink eye symptoms needs to be seen right away, because neonatal conjunctivitis can be serious when caused by infection. Start with your primary care provider or an eye doctor.

Red flags, call 911 or go to an emergency department now: a chemical or other substance in the eye, which should be rinsed out immediately first; sudden loss of vision; severe eye pain with a red eye.

How doctors tell the types apart

An eye doctor usually identifies the type by taking a history of your symptoms and examining the eyes, looking at the pattern of redness and the kind of discharge.

That step matters because antibiotics do not help viral or allergic pink eye, and the exam is also how other eye conditions that look similar get picked up.

Treatment in general terms

• Viral: no specific treatment for most cases, so comfort measures while the body clears the infection. Doctors may prescribe antiviral medicine for serious infections, such as those caused by herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses.
• Bacterial: mild cases may settle without antibiotics, usually within 2 to 5 days, though full recovery can take up to 2 weeks. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment, as prescribed by a doctor, can shorten the infection, reduce complications and limit spread.
• Allergic: avoiding the trigger, such as pollen or pet dander, plus allergy medicines and antihistamine or vasoconstrictor eye drops.

Antibiotics are used when the discharge looks like pus, when the immune system is weakened, or when particular bacteria are suspected. Use any medicine only as prescribed by a doctor.

Children, school and work

Children get pink eye often, so the question about school comes up quickly. The CDC says that if there is no fever or other symptoms, a person may go back with a doctor's approval, but should stay home while symptoms last or if school or work involves close contact. The AAO advises staying home from school, work or the gym until the redness and discharge clear.

Whoever cares for a person with pink eye can wear gloves and a mask. A school or day care may have its own rule, so check it as well.

Questions and answers

Sources

1. CDC — About Pink Eye
2. CDC — How to Treat Pink Eye
3. American Academy of Ophthalmology — Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
4. NHS — Conjunctivitis

Sources checked on 28 October 2026.