Vision Health Library

Pink Eye: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, occurs when the thin transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids becomes irritated or inflamed. The condition can cause redness, watering, discharge, itching and discomfort.

Pink eye is very common, but not every case has the same cause. Viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies and environmental irritants can all produce similar symptoms, which is why the appropriate treatment depends on what is actually causing the inflammation.

What Is Pink Eye?

The conjunctiva is the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner eyelids. When this tissue becomes inflamed, the small blood vessels within it become more visible, causing the eye to appear pink or red.

Pink eye may affect one eye or both eyes and can range from mild irritation to significant redness, swelling and discharge.

Common Symptoms of Pink Eye

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs can include:

• Pink or red appearance of the white part of the eye
• Watery or teary eyes
• Burning or irritation
• Itching
• Swelling of the eyelids
• A gritty or foreign-body sensation
• Clear, white, yellow or green discharge
• Crusting of the eyelids or lashes, especially after sleeping

Viral Pink Eye

Viral conjunctivitis is commonly associated with viruses that also cause respiratory infections. It may occur along with symptoms of a cold or other upper respiratory illness.

Viral pink eye often produces watery discharge rather than thick pus. It may begin in one eye and spread to the other.

Many cases are mild and improve without specific medical treatment, although symptoms can sometimes last for several weeks.

Bacterial Pink Eye

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by infection with bacteria and may produce thicker discharge that causes the eyelids or eyelashes to stick together.

Some mild bacterial infections resolve without antibiotics, while other cases may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Whether antibiotics are appropriate depends on the severity of the infection, the amount of discharge and other health factors.

Allergic Pink Eye

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites or mold.

Unlike viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic pink eye is not contagious.

Itching is often a prominent symptom, and both eyes are commonly affected. Patients may also experience sneezing, nasal congestion or other allergy symptoms.

Reducing exposure to the allergen and using appropriate allergy treatments may help relieve symptoms.

Pink Eye Caused by Irritation

The conjunctiva can also become inflamed after exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, chemicals or other irritants.

Contact lens problems and foreign material in the eye can also cause redness and irritation that resembles pink eye.

These forms are not contagious, but determining the cause is still important because eye redness may occasionally signal a more serious problem.

Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread easily from person to person. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis do not spread from one person to another.

Infectious pink eye can spread through direct contact with another person, respiratory droplets or contaminated objects and surfaces.

Touching an infected eye and then touching another person or shared object without washing your hands can also spread infection.

How to Reduce the Spread of Pink Eye

Good hygiene is particularly important when viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
• Do not share towels, washcloths or eye makeup
• Wash pillowcases and towels regularly
• Avoid sharing eye drops
• Clean frequently touched surfaces

Pink Eye and Contact Lenses

Contact lens wearers should stop wearing their lenses when pink eye symptoms develop and should not resume wear until the condition has resolved and their eye doctor says it is appropriate.

Redness, pain or discharge in a contact lens wearer deserves particular attention because some corneal infections can initially resemble conjunctivitis but may be more serious.

Treatment for Pink Eye

Treatment depends on the cause. Cool compresses and artificial tears may help reduce inflammation, dryness and discomfort in many mild cases.

Antibiotics do not treat viral conjunctivitis because antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Bacterial conjunctivitis may sometimes require antibiotic drops or ointment, while allergic conjunctivitis may improve with allergen avoidance and appropriate allergy medications or eye drops.

When Pink Eye May Be More Serious

Not every red eye is ordinary conjunctivitis. Some eye conditions that threaten vision can initially cause redness, irritation or discomfort.

Seek prompt eye care if redness is accompanied by:

• Eye pain
• Significant sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision that does not clear after wiping away discharge
• Intense redness
• Symptoms that are rapidly worsening
• Persistent symptoms that are not improving

Pink Eye in Newborns

Pink eye in a newborn requires prompt medical evaluation. Conjunctivitis during the newborn period can sometimes be caused by infections that require immediate treatment.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Because several different conditions can cause a red or irritated eye, determining the underlying cause is important when symptoms are significant, persistent or unusual.

At Choice Vision Care & Wellness in Wellington, Florida, Dr. Salvatore DeCanio can evaluate redness, discharge, irritation and other symptoms to determine whether pink eye or another eye condition may be responsible.