Pink eye (conjunctivitis) symptoms & treatment 

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an eye condition that’s both common and highly contagious. It causes redness, swelling, and discomfort in the eyes, affecting the conjunctiva—the transparent layer covering the whites of your eyes.

Depending on the cause, pink eye can be mild or more severe, but with the right treatment and care, symptoms can be managed effectively.

Get relief from pink eye with a virtual video visit with your provider or a Quick Care telehealth visit with an eye care expert at Aurora Health Care.

What is pink eye?

Pink eye refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear layer of tissue covering the white area of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids.

Inflammation makes blood vessels more visible, giving the eye a reddish or pink appearance. While pink eye can be irritating, it’s rarely a serious condition and often resolves with treatment. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes and is common among school-aged children, where it spreads easily in group settings.

What are the starting symptoms of pink eye?

Recognizing the early symptoms of pink eye can help you take immediate steps to manage it and prevent its spread. Symptoms are often mild in the early stages but can quickly become more noticeable. They include:

• A sensation that feels like there’s sand or grit in your eyes
• Mild redness in the whites of the eye
• A watery or mucous-like discharge
• Mild itching or irritation
• Slight swelling or tenderness around the eyes

Early detection means you can start self-care or treatment sooner, which is crucial in stopping the spread – especially if the cause is viral or bacterial.

Pink eye symptoms

Pink eye symptoms vary based on the cause but commonly include:

• Red, itchy, painful eyes
• Swelling and inflammation around the eye
• Watery or thick discharge that may be clear, white, yellow, or green
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia), making it uncomfortable to be in bright areas
• Blurred vision due to the accumulation of discharge or tearing
• Crusting around the eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
• Persistent tearing or feeling of dryness

Allergic conjunctivitis might also include traditional allergy symptoms such as a stuffy nose or sneezing. Viral and bacterial forms are typically associated with a more intense, sudden appearance of symptoms.

What causes conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, allergens, irritants, or viral infections, such as the common cold. Here’s a closer look at the common causes:

Viral conjunctivitis

Often linked to respiratory infections, viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. The infection can spread through direct contact with eye discharge, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets. It can also occur alongside symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as a sore throat, cough, or runny nose.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

This type is caused by bacteria and is also very contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thick, sticky discharge, which may cause your eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep. It can be spread through direct contact, sharing personal items, or touching contaminated surfaces.

Allergic conjunctivitis

This occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust. Unlike viral or bacterial pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious. It’s often seasonal, coinciding with times when allergens are more prevalent, such as spring or fall.

Irritants

Exposure to smoke, pool disinfectants, air pollution, or chemicals can irritate the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis. This form isn’t contagious and typically resolves once the irritant is removed. However, it may cause significant discomfort, including burning, redness, and swelling.

Diagnosing pink eye

Pink eye is typically diagnosed with a comprehensive eye examination. Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, examine your eyes, and may ask questions about recent illnesses or exposure to others with similar symptoms.

In some cases, visual symptoms such as a pink eye are enough to diagnose pink eye. A sample of eye discharge may also be taken to determine the cause, especially if the infection isn’t responding to standard treatment. This helps rule out other potential causes of eye redness, like uveitis, corneal ulcers, or glaucoma, which require different treatments.

How long does pink eye last?

It depends on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis can last from a few days to up to two weeks. While it often resolves on its own, it remains contagious as long as symptoms persist, so it’s essential to not touch your eyes and wash your hands regularly.

With proper treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms usually improve within a few days, but the infection may take up to a week to fully clear. It’s important to continue using prescribed antibiotics even after symptoms improve.

Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms can last as long as you're exposed to the allergen. Managing your allergies or avoiding what causes them can help reduce symptoms.

Pink eye treatment

Effective treatment depends on the type of pink eye you have.

Viral conjunctivitis

There’s no specific antiviral treatment, but self-care can help relieve symptoms. Use warm or cool compresses on your eyes, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and use artificial tears eye drops to soothe irritation. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, especially if linked to other viral conditions such as a cold.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments can help clear bacterial infections. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops can help relieve itching and redness. Avoiding allergens and using cold compresses can also provide some relief. In some cases, your doctor may recommend oral antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Can pink eye go away on its own?

Yes, pink eye can often resolve without medical treatment, particularly viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis may clear up on its own, but antibiotic treatment can help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

It’s important to take proper self-care measures, such as keeping surfaces clean and washing your hands. If you are experiencing severe pain or if changes to your eyesight or pink eye symptoms aren’t going away on their own, it’s important to see your doctor to get proper treatment.

How to prevent conjunctivitis

Preventing pink eye starts with practicing good hygiene and taking precautions such as:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching your face
• Avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes, especially with unwashed hands
• Not sharing personal items such as towels, pillowcases, or makeup
• Disinfecting common surfaces such as doorknobs, remote controls, video game controllers, and countertops
• Not wearing contact lenses or switching to glasses during an active infection to prevent further irritation
• Following your eye care professional’s instructions on contact lens care

By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of contracting or spreading pink eye, helping to protect yourself and those around you.