Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”)
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It’s a frequent cause of red, irritated eyes in both children and adults. While it’s usually treatable, some forms are very contagious, and a few can be more serious than they appear at first.
What Pink Eye Feels and Looks Like
People with conjunctivitis often notice redness in one or both eyes, along with itching, burning, or a gritty sensation. There may be tearing or thicker mucus that makes the eyelids stick together, especially in the morning. In some cases, symptoms stay mostly on the surface and are more annoying than painful; in others, the discomfort and discharge are more pronounced.
Different Causes of Conjunctivitis
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies, and each behaves a little differently. Viral conjunctivitis is often linked to a cold or upper respiratory infection and can spread easily between family members or classmates. Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to produce thicker discharge and may respond well to antibiotic drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually very itchy, often affects both eyes, and may come and go with seasons or exposure to specific triggers. Because these types can overlap in appearance, it’s not always easy to tell at home which one you’re dealing with.
How We Diagnose and Treat Pink Eye
During your visit, we examine the surface of your eyes and eyelids, look at the pattern of redness, and assess the type of discharge and your other symptoms. Based on what we find, we may recommend prescription drops, allergy medications, or supportive care such as cool compresses and lubricating drops. We’ll also review simple hygiene steps you can take to reduce the chance of spreading contagious forms to others, like frequent handwashing and avoiding shared towels or cosmetics.
If you wear contact lenses, we’ll likely have you stop lens wear temporarily until the eye is comfortable and the surface looks healthy again. In more unusual or severe cases, we may perform additional testing or arrange follow‑up to be sure the eye is healing as expected.
You should seek prompt care if you develop significant eye pain, marked light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes along with redness—especially if symptoms are worse in one eye or you are a contact lens wearer. Those signs can indicate a more serious problem that needs immediate attention.
