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.
How pink eye is treated
Common questions
what is pink eye
Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane lining your eyelids and covering the white of the eye. When it is inflamed, the small blood vessels there swell and the eye looks pink or red. Common signs are watering, discharge, burning or itching, crusting on the lashes, and a feeling that something is in the eye. Viral and bacterial forms spread easily through hands and shared items. Most viral cases clear in one to two weeks without antibiotics. See a clinician the same day if you have eye pain, changed or blurred vision, light sensitivity, a recent eye injury, symptoms while wearing contact lenses, or if you have a newborn with red eyes.