what is pink eye
Last updated September 6, 2026.
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear layer covering the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids, which makes the eye look pink or red. Viruses cause most cases in adults and often follow a cold, with watery discharge and a gritty feeling. Bacterial pink eye tends to produce thicker yellow or green discharge and lids that stick together after sleep. Allergic pink eye affects both eyes, itches a lot, and comes with sneezing or a runny nose. Chemicals, smoke, chlorine, and contact lenses can irritate the conjunctiva the same way. Washing your hands often, not touching your eyes, and using a fresh towel and pillowcase limit spread to others and to your second eye.
What to do
- Wash your hands: Use soap and water often, especially before and after touching your eyes or applying drops.
- Skip contacts for now: Wear glasses until symptoms are gone, then use a fresh pair of lenses and a clean case.
- Cool it down: A clean cool compress and preservative-free artificial tears ease grit and swelling in most cases.
- Do not share: Keep towels, washcloths, pillowcases, and eye makeup to yourself and replace makeup used while infected.
- Hold the antibiotics: Viral and allergic pink eye do not respond to antibiotic drops, so get the cause identified first.
- Know the red flags: Eye pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or a red eye in a newborn needs a clinician right away.
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