Understanding pink eye

Red, irritated eyes — decoded.

"Pink eye" (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the clear membrane covering your eye. It's usually mild, but there are three different types — and they need different care.

What's happening

Three very different culprits.

The conjunctiva is a thin clear layer over the white of your eye and inside your eyelids. When it gets inflamed, it swells and turns pink or red.

Viral pink eye is most common (and contagious). Bacterial pink eye produces yellow-green discharge and needs antibiotics. Allergic pink eye causes itching in both eyes without infection.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Viral

Time + cool compresses

Antibiotics don't work. Use artificial tears for comfort and cool compresses. Usually resolves in 1–2 weeks.

Bacterial

Antibiotic drops

Prescription antibiotic drops clear it in a few days. Finish the full course even if you feel better.

Allergic

Antihistamine drops

Over-the-counter or prescription allergy drops. Avoid rubbing — it releases more histamine.

All types

Hand hygiene + hygiene

Don't touch your eyes. Wash hands. Change pillowcases and towels daily until resolved.

Come in right away if

You have severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred or lost vision, or symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks. Also urgent: pink eye in newborns, or in anyone wearing contact lenses (risk of corneal infection).

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

How long is pink eye contagious?+

Viral pink eye spreads for about 10–14 days — until symptoms fully resolve. Bacterial is contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Allergic isn't contagious at all.

Can I go to work or school?+

Bacterial: stay home 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Viral: until tearing and discharge stop. Allergic: no restriction. When in doubt, call us.

Do I need antibiotics?+

Only for bacterial pink eye, which is less common than you'd think. Thick yellow-green discharge and one eye affected are clues. Most "pink eye" is viral — antibiotics don't help.

How do I stop it from spreading?+

Wash hands constantly. Don't share towels, pillows, or makeup. Toss eye makeup and contact lenses used during the infection. Change your pillowcase daily.

When should I worry?+

Severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or vision loss can mean something more serious than simple pink eye — like a corneal infection or uveitis. Don't wait.