Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & How to Prevent It?

Ophthalmology

Published Date: 16-07-2024 Updated Date: 31-10-2026

Written by Medicover Team

Medically reviewed by Dr Jyotsna Myneni, Senior Consultant - Retina and Uveitis

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The eye ailment known as conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is characterised by redness and discomfort. It arises from inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white portion of the eye. You may also experience puffy eyelids, watery eyes, discharge, or itching, depending on the cause.

What Causes of Conjunctivitis?

Pink eye can develop because of a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or contact with an irritant. Knowing the possible cause helps your doctor choose the right treatment and determine whether the condition can spread to others.

Here are the common causes of pink eyes:

Viral conjunctivitis

A cold or other respiratory infection often accompanies viral conjunctivitis. In addition to discomfort and occasionally light sensitivity, the eyes may turn red and watery. This illness, which is easily transmitted by contaminated hands, objects, or contact with infectious eye fluids, can be brought on by viruses such adenoviruses. Maintaining good hand hygiene helps stop its spread.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacteria that infect the conjunctiva cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Particularly after sleeping, the eyes may turn red, and thick discharge may make the eyelids stick together. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment when needed, but mild cases may resolve without antibiotics.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It often affects both eyes and causes irritation, redness, watering, and swollen eyelids. Avoiding allergens and taking the right allergy medicine can help manage this noncommunicable form.

Irritant Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva can get irritated by smoke, chemicals, dust, and other foreign objects, resulting eye redness, burning, and excessive watering. Unless there is also an infection, this variety is not communicable. Mild symptoms may be alleviated by moving away from the irritant and using artificial tears, but chemical exposure needs quick flushing with lots of clean running water and prompt medical attention.

Eye redness can occasionally be linked to an underlying medical condition, such as several autoimmune illnesses. When symptoms are severe or persistent, a medical evaluation might assist determine the cause.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes)

Pink eye does not look or feel the same in everyone. The symptoms often depend on whether the cause is an infection, an allergy, or irritation.

Common symptoms include:

Redness: The white part of the eye may look pink or red.
Itching: Itching is particularly common with allergic conjunctivitis.
Tearing: The eyes may produce more tears than usual.
Light Sensitivity: Bright light may feel uncomfortable, especially in more severe cases.
Gritty Sensation: You may feel as though sand or something else is stuck in your eye.
Eyelid Crusting: Dried discharge may leave the eyelids or eyelashes stuck together after sleep.
Vision Changes: Discharge may temporarily blur vision, but persistent blurred vision needs prompt medical assessment.

Seek urgent medical attention if you have severe eye pain, significant sensitivity to light, sudden vision changes, or intense redness. Contact lens wearers with a red, painful eye should also be examined promptly because a more serious corneal infection may be present.

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Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis

An eye care professional can often identify conjunctivitis by examining your eyes and asking about your symptoms. Further testing may be needed if the condition is severe, keeps returning, or does not improve as expected.

Medical History: The doctor will ask when the symptoms started, whether one or both eyes are affected, and whether you have allergies, recent infections, or contact with irritants.
Eye Examination: The doctor checks for redness, swelling, discharge, and signs of irritation or damage to the eye.
Eye Secretion Sample: A swab of the discharge may be collected when a specific infection is suspected or symptoms are severe or persistent.
Differential Diagnosis: The doctor may consider other conditions, including allergies, dry eyes, or infections affecting other parts of the eye.

How to Treat Conjunctivitis Condition?

Treatment depends on what is causing the inflammation. Some cases improve with simple home care, while others need prescription medication.

Viral Conjunctivitis: Most cases improve on their own within one to two weeks, although some take longer. Artificial tears and cool compresses can ease discomfort, but antibiotics do not work against viruses.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Some mild cases clear up without antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment when needed; follow the prescribed instructions.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Avoiding the trigger and using suitable antihistamine eye drops may relieve itching and redness. Steroid eye drops should only be used under specialist supervision.
Irritant Conjunctivitis: Avoid further contact with the irritant and use artificial tears for mild discomfort. If a chemical enters the eye, rinse it immediately with plenty of clean running water and seek urgent medical advice.

Home Remedies of Pink Eyes

Simple care at home can help ease discomfort while the eye recovers. These measures do not replace medical treatment when an infection or another serious eye condition needs attention.

Warm Compress: A clean, warm, damp cloth can help loosen dried discharge around the eyelids. Use a fresh cloth and avoid applying pressure to the eye.
Cold Compress: Place a clean, cool, damp cloth over closed eyelids to help relieve itching and swelling.
Good Hygiene: Wash your hands before and after touching the area around your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels or pillowcases.
No Contact Lenses: Stop wearing contact lenses while you have symptoms. Ask your eye doctor when it is safe to start wearing them again.
Skip Eye Makeup: Avoid eye makeup until your eyes have recovered, and discard eye products that may have become contaminated.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, dust, and other substances that worsen your symptoms.

Ways to Prevent Pink Eyes

Good hygiene can lower the risk of catching or spreading infectious conjunctivitis. The following habits can help protect your eyes:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Do not share towels, pillowcases, eye makeup, or contact lens equipment.
Clean and store contact lenses according to the recommended instructions.
Wear protective eyewear when working around dust, chemicals, or other potential irritants.
Avoid known allergens when possible and follow your eye doctor’s advice if symptoms keep returning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is inflammation of the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids. It can cause redness, itching, watering, discharge, and irritation.

2. What causes conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can be brought on by allergies, irritating contact, and bacterial or viral infections. Although bacterial and viral forms can spread by contact with contaminated hands, objects, or eye fluids, allergic conjunctivitis is not communicable.

3. What are the common symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Common symptoms include red eyes, itching, wetness, discharge, swollen eyelids, and a gritty feeling. Significant discomfort or vision changes may indicate another eye issue, and some people also experience eyelid crusting.

4. How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?

An eye care professional usually diagnoses conjunctivitis by reviewing your symptoms and examining your eyes. A sample of eye discharge may be collected if a specific infection is suspected or the symptoms are severe or persistent.

5. Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and can spread through contaminated hands, objects, or infected eye secretions. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.

6. How can I prevent conjunctivitis?

Avoid rubbing your eyes, wash your hands often, and don't share towels, pillows, or eye makeup. Avoiding known irritants and maintaining proper contact lens care can also help lower the risk.

7. Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?

When your eyes are red or irritated, stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor gives the all-clear. If you wear contact lenses and experience eye pain or blurred vision, get checked out right away.

8. What is the treatment for conjunctivitis?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include artificial tears, cool compresses, allergy medication, or antibiotics for certain bacterial infections. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, persist, or are accompanied by severe pain or vision changes.

9. How long does conjunctivitis last?

Viral conjunctivitis usually gets better within one to two weeks, although it may sometimes last longer. Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve within a few days, but some cases need antibiotic treatment.

10. When should I seek medical attention for conjunctivitis?

See an eye doctor if you have severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. Newborns with red eyes or eye discharge need immediate medical attention.

11. Can conjunctivitis cause permanent damage to my eyesight?

Most episodes of conjunctivitis go away without causing long-term vision problems. However, severe corneal infections can impair eyesight if they are not treated.

12. Can newborn babies get conjunctivitis?

Indeed, infections, inflammation, or obstructed tear ducts can cause conjunctivitis in newborns. Get medical help right away if a newborn has red eyes or eye discharge.