Pink eye: Symptoms, treatment, and what to do next
Written by Sarah The barge, Physician Assistant; Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on August 19th, 2025.
As a parent, you never wish for a morning like this: when your child wakes up with a red, itchy, watery eye. (It’s no picnic when it happens to you either.) The fear? It’s conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which can be very contagious. Fortunately, it’s rarely serious and will clear up without any long-term problems if treated promptly.
Fun fact: “Pink eye” is the most searched urgent care term online. That’s probably because about 6 million people in the United States are affected by it each year, adding up to more than 3 million lost school days annually.
Let’s take a closer look at common pink eye symptoms and causes, and discuss what to do if you think you or your child has it.
What is conjunctivitis, and what causes it?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane on the outer eyeball and the inner eyelid. Conjunctivitis symptoms vary, but in essence, it’s uncomfortable and unattractive.
Most pink eye cases are caused by a virus, bacteria and allergies. Typical viral conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by a cold. So, it’s not uncommon for someone with a cold to wake up with crusty eyelids from the discharge. It can also be caused by bacteria and allergies.
Symptoms of pink eye
Does pink eye cause swelling under the eye? Should you expect green, goopy eyes? Let’s discuss the symptoms in-depth.
The most common pink eye symptoms include:
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
- Discharge of pus or mucus in one or both eyes
- Increased tear production
- Irritation and burning in one or both eyes
- Itchiness in one or both eyes
- Pinkness or redness in one or both eyes
- Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid)
- Swelling of the eyelid(s)
Moreover, in mild cases of conjunctivitis, you may experience slight irritation, redness, itchiness and discharge. It’s unlikely to interfere with your daily activities and may even go away without treatment.
However, in severe cases, you’re more likely to have intense and disruptive symptoms. Without treatment, they can persist for weeks or longer and may even pose the risk of corneal ulcers or scarring, vision loss or a systemic infection.
What should you do if you think you have pink eye?
While pink eye is highly common and contagious, the good news is that it’s also highly treatable. You may be wondering what to do if you think you have pink eye.
The first thing you’ll want to do is stop wearing your contact lenses right away. This will help to relieve symptoms and help prevent recurrences. Additionally, you’ll want to stop wearing any eye makeup and discard any makeup that might be contaminated to prevent the spread of pink eye.
You can use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or “artificial tears” to reduce inflammation and dryness caused by pink eye. You can also use a warm, damp washcloth over your eye for symptom relief. You must use a clean washcloth each time to help prevent the spread of infection.
There is no real “pink eye test,” and many cases of pink eye will clear on their own in a week or two without medication. However, there are times when it may be necessary to call your doctor about pink eye.
See your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Eyes are producing a lot of pus or mucus
- Fever or achiness
- Inability to open the eye(s)
- Intense redness of the eye(s)
- Pain in your eye(s)
- Sensitivity to light
- Your symptoms have continued for a week or more
- Your symptoms are getting worse
Types of pink eye and treatment
While pink generally has many similar identifying symptoms, there are multiple types, each of which can require different treatment approaches.
1. Viral pink eye
This is the most common type of conjunctivitis. Viral pink eye is often seen in both eyes. It may be accompanied by cold symptoms and increased production of watery tears. Viral pink eye typically runs its course within 7 to 10 days and does not require treatment by a medical professional.
2. Bacterial pink eye
Bacterial pink eye usually involves more significant eye discharge in the form of pus or mucus, which can be yellow or green. Unlike the viral pink eye, bacterial pink eye is often seen in one eye versus both.
In some cases, mild bacterial pink eye may get better without antibiotic treatment; however, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider about the best options for you. If you suspect you have bacterial pink eye, seek medical help, as you may need an antibiotic to help clear the infection.
Additionally, you should avoid wearing contact lenses, which can complicate the infection. Learn more fun facts about antibiotics and protect yourself against other common infections.
3. Allergic pink eye
Allergic pink eye is often accompanied by swollen glands and other typical allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, dry scratchy throat and dark circles under the eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal, and its course is limited, but it can also occur year-round due to indoor allergens, like dust and animal dander. Simple over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief. Some prescription eye drops can also provide relief if needed.
How long does pink eye last?
It’s also important to know how long pink eye lasts. As noted above, this will depend on the type:
- Viral conjunctivitis: Redness and watery eyes typically worsen over the first few days and peak within 3 to 5 days before then gradually improving.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Without treatment, discharge, redness and swelling may increase over the first few days, but antibacterial treatment can usually improve it within a few days.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Because this is an allergic reaction, symptoms are likely to continue for as long as someone is being exposed to the trigger. Treatment can help alleviate them within a few days.
Causes of pink eye
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or allergies. Viral pink eye can be caused by the common cold, measles, chickenpox and other viruses. Other causes may include a foreign body in the eye, such as eyelashes, chemical irritants like soap, or indoor and outdoor air pollution, such as smoke or dust.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be easily spread from person to person. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by a virus and is highly contagious. The most common cause of viral conjunctivitis is adenoviruses. The adenovirus may also cause the common cold, which is why, on top of getting a cold, you might also get viral conjunctivitis.
You can pick up this infection by simply touching an object with the virus and then rubbing your eye. The virus is also airborne, meaning you can get it through droplets in the air.
You may be tempted to treat the viral pink eye with antibiotics in hopes of getting rid of your pink eye sooner. However, antibiotics do not help treat viral pink eye, as these drugs are not effective against viruses.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by bacteria, and like viral conjunctivitis, it is highly contagious. This infection is typically caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from an object or person, but is also spread by respiratory droplets.
You can pick up bacterial conjunctivitis by touching your eyes, sharing eye makeup or having contact with someone with the virus.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by seasonal allergies. That means that, unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious but rather the result of your body’s reaction to an allergen. Common allergens that may cause allergic conjunctivitis may include tree pollen, plants, grasses, weeds, molds, dust mites, pet dander or cosmetics.
If you are experiencing symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider, as allergy medications and specific eye drops may provide relief.
What to know about pink eye in children
Pink eye in infants can be caused by an infection, irritation or a blocked tear duct. When caused by an infection, pink eye in infants can be very serious.
You can manage pink eye at home with warm compresses, artificial tears and good hygiene. Seek urgent care if your baby develops a fever, excessive fussiness or the eye becomes very red and swollen, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious infection.
Pink eye is one of the most common infections kids pick up at school. The symptoms of pink eye in children are similar to those in adults. In older kids, ongoing pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision are red flags requiring prompt medical attention. Keep kids out of school until they’re no longer contagious (usually 24 hours after starting antibiotics) and encourage hand washing and not sharing personal items.
Understanding how to take care of pink eye begins with understanding the cause of pink eye. For example, if your doctor suspects your child has viral pink eye, they are not likely to receive an antibiotic. However, if a bacterial infection causes your child’s pink eye, they may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or an antibiotic ointment.
Allergic pink eye in children may be treated with eye drops or oral allergy medications.
If you’re caring for a child with viral or bacterial pink eye, you’ll want to wash your hands often to help prevent spreading it to yourself or other family members.
How to prevent conjunctivitis
We know that pink eye can spread quickly, but you can significantly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or spreading it to someone else by following these simple steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.
- Don’t touch or rub your eyes with your hands.
- Wash any discharge from around your eye(s) several times a day using a clean, wet washcloth.
- Don’t share towels or washcloths.
- Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths and towels often in hot water and detergent.
- Throw away and replace any eye and face makeup or cosmetic brushes you used while infected.
- Throw away any disposable contact lenses and cases you used while your eyes were infected.
How contagious is pink eye?
Pink eye is very contagious and is spread to others in the same way other viruses like the cold and flu are spread.
If you touch an object or surface with the pink eye virus or bacteria on it and then touch your eyes, you can easily be infected with it. It is important to note that the pink eye virus can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks. Just like with a cold, you can also get pink eye through close contact, like hugging or shaking hands with an infected individual.
Additionally, people who use extended-wear contact lenses have an increased risk for pink eye as the bacteria can live and grow on these lenses.
Pink eye treatment
Relief from the pink eye is within your control. Depending on the cause, there are several over-the-counter treatments, home remedies, and natural alternatives that can help alleviate your symptoms.
To remove crusties from your eyes, use a warm compress (with a dab of baby shampoo) to wipe, starting at the inside of the eye and moving outward. Many people also find that artificial tears, antihistamine drops or placing cucumber slices or chamomile tea bags over their eyes are helpful.
Be sure to frequently wash your hands, pillowcases and towels to prevent reinfecting yourself. Help prevent the spread of pink eye by sanitizing surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, bedding and towels. Avoid using contact lenses and eye makeup (discard any that might be contaminated) while you have an active infection.
Overall, what to do for pink eye will depend on your symptoms. For example, you should need to seek medical care for any of the following:
- You think your infant has pink eye, as the infection could harm the baby’s vision.
- You have heavy yellow or green eye discharge.
- You wake up with your eyelids sticking together.
- You have eye pain, blurred vision, high fever or chills.
If you need help assessing and treating pink eye, we are here to help. Just find the center nearest you and walk in, or save your spot online. We’ll have you back to feeling better in no time.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about conjuctivitis duration, symptoms and more.
How do I know which type of pink eye I have?
It can be difficult to know what type of pink eye you have without an evaluation by a doctor. Viral pink eye often comes with a cold and watery discharge, while bacterial pink eye usually has thick yellow or green pus. Allergic pink eye often affects both eyes and comes with itching and other allergy symptoms.
How can I prevent spreading pink eye?
Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, don’t share towels or cosmetics, limit contact lens use and disinfect surfaces. If it's contagious, then stay home until symptoms improve or you’ve had 24 hours of antibiotics.
When can I or my child go back to work or school?
How long pink eye is contagious will depend on the type. For bacterial pink eye, you can usually return to school or work after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. For viral, once symptoms start improving, you can return to normal activities.
Is it safe to use leftover or someone else's eye drops?
No, using someone else’s drops can worsen the condition or spread infection
Can I use a Virtual Visit for pink eye?
Yes, Virtual Visits may be enough to diagnose and treat pink eye, but you may need an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/causes/index.html
