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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
"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.