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Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

A highly contagious eye infection causing redness, itching, discharge, and irritation. Can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Very common in children.

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Statistics & Prevalence

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions, affecting approximately 6 million people in the United States each year. Viral conjunctivitis accounts for up to 80% of acute conjunctivitis cases. In children, pinkeye is one of the top reasons for school absences. The condition costs approximately $857 million annually in the US for treatment. Most cases resolve within 1-2 weeks without treatment, but bacterial cases may require antibiotic eye drops.

What is Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)?

Conjunctivitis, commonly called "pinkeye," is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. When inflamed, blood vessels become more visible, giving the eye a pink or red appearance. **Key Facts:** - **Types:** Viral (most common), bacterial, allergic, or irritant - **Contagious:** Viral and bacterial types are highly contagious - **Duration:** Usually 7-14 days for viral; bacterial clears faster with antibiotics - **Affected population:** Very common in children; adults also frequently affected - **Treatment:** Depends on cause — antibiotics for bacterial, supportive care for viral **Three Main Types:** 1. **Viral conjunctivitis:** Most common, often accompanies a cold, very contagious 2. **Bacterial conjunctivitis:** Causes thick, yellow-green discharge, needs antibiotic drops 3. **Allergic conjunctivitis:** Not contagious, caused by allergens, affects both eyes **Important:** While usually not serious, pinkeye can sometimes indicate a more serious eye condition. Severe pain, vision changes, or symptoms not improving warrant medical attention.

Common Age

Very common in children (school-age especially); adults also frequently affected; can occur at any age

Prevalence

6 million cases per year in the US; one of the most common eye conditions; leading cause of school absence for eye problems

Duration

Viral: 7-14 days, often resolves without treatment. Bacterial: 5-7 days with antibiotics, may take 2 weeks without. Allergic: persists as long as allergen exposure continues.

Why Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Happens

**How Conjunctivitis Develops:** **1. Pathogen or Allergen Exposure:** Viruses, bacteria, or allergens contact the conjunctiva through: - Touching eyes with contaminated hands - Respiratory droplets from infected person - Sharing towels, makeup, or eye drops - Swimming pools (chlorine irritation or bacterial exposure) - Allergen exposure (pollen, dust, pet dander) **2. Inflammatory Response:** The conjunctiva responds with inflammation — blood vessels dilate (causing redness), and the tissue produces excess tears and sometimes mucus or pus. **3. Spread:** Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. The infection can spread: - From one eye to the other (autoinoculation) - To other people through contact - Through contaminated objects (towels, makeup) **Risk Factors:** - Exposure to someone with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis - Having a cold or respiratory infection - Contact lens wear (especially sleeping in lenses) - Allergies (hay fever, eczema) - Daycare or school attendance (children) - Weakened immune system - Poor hand hygiene

Common Symptoms

  • Pink or red color in the white of the eye
  • Increased tearing or watery eyes
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Gritty feeling like sand in the eye
  • Discharge from the eye (watery or thick)
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Crusting of eyelids, especially in morning
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swollen lymph node near ear (viral)
  • Eye stuck shut after sleeping (bacterial)

Possible Causes

  • Adenovirus (most common viral cause)
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
  • Haemophilus influenzae bacteria
  • Allergies (pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
  • Contact lens wear or poor lens hygiene
  • Chemical irritants (chlorine, smoke)
  • Foreign body in the eye
  • Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea)

Note: These are potential causes. A healthcare provider can help determine the specific cause in your case.

Quick Self-Care Tips

  • 1Don't touch or rub your eyes
  • 2Wash hands frequently, especially after touching eyes
  • 3Use a clean, warm compress to soothe eyes
  • 4Don't share towels, washcloths, makeup, or eye drops
  • 5Stop wearing contact lenses until infection clears
  • 6Throw away any eye makeup used during infection
  • 7Clean discharge from eyes with clean, damp cloth
  • 8Stay home from school/work while contagious (usually 24-48 hours with treatment)
  • 9Allergic pinkeye: use over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops

Disclaimer: These are general wellness suggestions, not medical treatment recommendations. They may help manage symptoms but should not replace professional medical care.

Home Remedies & Natural Solutions

1

Cool or warm compress

Apply a clean, wet washcloth to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes several times a day. Cool for allergic conjunctivitis (reduces swelling), warm for viral/bacterial (soothes and loosens crusts). Use separate cloths for each eye.

2

Artificial tears

OTC lubricating eye drops can help rinse out irritants and provide comfort. Use preservative-free drops if using frequently. Can help with all types of conjunctivitis.

3

Gentle cleaning

Clean discharge from the eye using a clean, damp cloth or cotton ball. Wipe from inner corner outward. Use a new cloth/cotton ball for each wipe. This helps prevent spread and keeps eyes comfortable.

4

Don't wear contact lenses

Stop wearing contacts until the infection is completely cleared and any antibiotic treatment is finished. Discard daily lenses; disinfect extended-wear lenses according to instructions before reusing.

5

Good hygiene practices

Wash hands frequently, don't touch or rub eyes, change pillowcase daily, don't share towels or washcloths. This prevents spread to other eye and to other people.

Note: Home remedies may help relieve symptoms but are not substitutes for medical treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Evidence-Based Treatment

**Treatment Depends on the Cause:** **Viral Conjunctivitis:** - Usually resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks - No antibiotic treatment (antibiotics don't work on viruses) - Supportive care: cool compresses, artificial tears - Highly contagious — practice good hygiene **Bacterial Conjunctivitis:** - Antibiotic eye drops or ointment (if prescribed) - Erythromycin ointment - Polymyxin-trimethoprim drops - Fluoroquinolone drops (for severe cases) - Often improves in 24-48 hours with treatment - Complete full course even if symptoms improve **Allergic Conjunctivitis:** - Antihistamine eye drops (ketotifen, olopatadine) - Oral antihistamines - Avoid allergen triggers - Cool compresses - Artificial tears to wash out allergens **General Measures:** - Don't wear contact lenses until fully recovered - Warm compresses for comfort - Artificial tears for lubrication - Good hand hygiene to prevent spread

FDA-Approved Medications

Important: The medications listed below are FDA-approved treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication. This information is for educational purposes only.

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment

Prescription antibiotic ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis. Apply to affected eye(s) up to 6 times daily. Safe for children and newborns.

Warning: May cause temporary blurred vision. Complete full course. Prescription required.

Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (Polytrim)

Prescription antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis. Use 1-2 drops every 3 hours for 7-10 days.

Warning: Prescription required. May sting briefly upon application.

Ketotifen (Zaditor)

OTC antihistamine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis. Use twice daily. Provides relief for itchy, watery eyes from allergies.

Warning: Don't use if you have an eye infection. Wait 10 minutes before inserting contact lenses.

Olopatadine (Pataday)

OTC/Rx antihistamine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis. Once-daily dosing. Relieves itching for up to 16 hours.

Warning: Don't use with contact lenses in. May cause mild stinging.

Lifestyle Changes

  • ✓Wash hands frequently throughout the day
  • ✓Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
  • ✓Replace eye makeup and applicators after infection
  • ✓Clean contact lenses properly; never sleep in contacts
  • ✓Don't share personal eye items
  • ✓Stay home from school/work while contagious
  • ✓For allergies: keep windows closed during high pollen, use air purifier

Risk Factors

  • Exposure to someone with viral/bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Recent upper respiratory infection
  • Contact lens wear
  • Allergies or hay fever
  • Daycare or school attendance
  • Crowded living conditions
  • Poor hand hygiene
  • Sharing personal items (towels, makeup)

Prevention

  • Wash hands frequently, especially before touching eyes
  • Don't touch or rub your eyes
  • Don't share personal items (towels, washcloths, makeup)
  • Replace eye makeup regularly
  • Clean contact lenses properly; don't sleep in contacts
  • Avoid close contact with people who have pinkeye
  • Stay home while contagious to prevent spreading
  • For allergic type: limit allergen exposure, use allergy medication

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe eye pain
  • Vision changes or blurred vision
  • Intense sensitivity to light
  • Symptoms not improving after 1 week
  • Thick, dark yellow-green discharge
  • Newborn with eye symptoms (urgent)
  • Wearing contact lenses with pinkeye symptoms
  • Weakened immune system with eye symptoms
  • Eye injury preceded the symptoms
  • History of herpes eye infection

Talk to a Healthcare Provider

If your symptoms are persistent, severe, or concerning, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

Click on a question to see the answer.

Viral conjunctivitis is contagious as long as symptoms are present (usually 1-2 weeks). Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious until 24-48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis is NOT contagious at all.

For viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, yes — you should stay home while you have discharge from the eye. With bacterial conjunctivitis, you can usually return 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, so isolation isn't necessary.

Only bacterial conjunctivitis benefits from antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis (the most common type) won't respond to antibiotics and will resolve on its own. Allergic conjunctivitis needs antihistamines, not antibiotics. A doctor can help determine which type you have.

Simple viral or bacterial conjunctivitis rarely causes permanent vision damage. However, some infections (like herpes or gonorrhea) can cause serious eye damage if untreated. See a doctor if you have severe pain, vision changes, or symptoms not improving after a week.

No. Stop wearing contacts immediately if you develop pink eye symptoms. Contacts can trap bacteria or viruses against the eye and worsen the infection. Wait until the infection is completely cleared and you've finished any antibiotic treatment before resuming lens wear. Discard or thoroughly disinfect lenses worn during infection.

References & Sources

This information is based on peer-reviewed research and official health resources:

  • 1

    Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    View Source
  • 2

    Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

    Mayo Clinic

    View Source

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.

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Reviewed by QuickSymptom Health Team

This content is for educational purposes only.

Not a substitute for professional medical advice.