What Is Conjunctivitis Of The Eye?

Conjunctivitis of the eye, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When this tissue becomes irritated or infected, the small blood vessels within it become more visible, giving the eye its characteristic pink or red appearance.

What Is Conjunctivitis Of The Eye?

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions seen in medical offices. It affects people of all ages, from newborns to older adults. The condition is rarely serious, but it can be highly uncomfortable and, in some cases, highly contagious.

The inflammation can affect one eye or both eyes. When both eyes are involved, the infection or irritation often starts in one eye and spreads to the other within a few days. The three main types are viral, bacterial, and allergic. Each type has different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

What Are The Main Types Of Conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type. It is often caused by the same viruses responsible for the common cold. This type is extremely contagious and spreads easily through direct contact with eye discharge, contaminated hands, or shared items like towels and makeup. Viral pink eye typically starts in one eye and may spread to the other.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping. This type is also contagious and requires antibiotic eye drops in most cases.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It occurs when the eye reacts to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Both eyes are usually affected at the same time, and intense itching is the hallmark symptom. This type often appears alongside other allergy symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.

What Does Conjunctivitis Look And Feel Like?

The symptoms vary slightly depending on the cause, but several signs are common across all types. Redness in the white of the eye is the most obvious sign. A gritty feeling, as if sand is in the eye, is also very common. Many people describe a burning sensation or a feeling of pressure behind the eye.

Discharge is another key symptom. Viral conjunctivitis produces a watery, thin discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces a thicker, pus-like discharge that may be yellow or green. Allergic conjunctivitis produces a watery discharge along with intense itching and swollen eyelids.

Swelling of the eyelid and sensitivity to bright light can also occur. If you experience significant eye pain, blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, or sensitivity to light that feels extreme, seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition affecting the cornea or deeper structures of the eye.

How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last?

The duration depends on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis typically lasts 7 to 14 days. The discharge may be heaviest in the first few days and then gradually improve. Some viral cases, particularly those caused by adenovirus, can last up to three weeks.

Bacterial conjunctivitis usually improves within 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic drops. Without treatment, it may resolve on its own in about a week, but treatment shortens the course and reduces the risk of complications. Allergic conjunctivitis lasts as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Once the trigger is removed or treated, symptoms usually improve within hours to days.

You are generally considered contagious while you have active discharge and symptoms. For viral conjunctivitis, this is usually 3 to 7 days. For bacterial conjunctivitis treated with antibiotics, you are typically no longer contagious after 24 hours of treatment.

How Is Conjunctivitis Treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis has no specific antiviral medication for most cases. It resolves on its own with supportive care. Cold compresses applied to the closed eyelid can reduce discomfort and swelling. Artificial tears can help with the gritty, dry feeling.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Common options include erythromycin, polymyxin-trimethoprim, or fluoroquinolone drops. You should use the drops exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the course is finished. Stopping early can allow the bacteria to regrow and potentially become resistant.

Allergic conjunctivitis is treated by avoiding the allergen and using antihistamine eye drops. Over-the-counter options like ketotifen are effective for many people. In more stubborn cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory drops. Cold compresses also help reduce itching and swelling.

For all types, good hygiene is essential. Wash your hands frequently. Do not touch or rub your eyes. Use a clean towel each day. Discard any eye makeup you used while infected. Do not share towels, washcloths, pillows, or makeup with anyone else.

When Should You See A Doctor For Pink Eye?

Most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and resolve without serious issues. However, certain situations warrant prompt medical evaluation. See a doctor if you have moderate to severe eye pain, if your vision is blurred and does not improve when you blink, or if you have extreme sensitivity to light.

You should also seek care if your symptoms worsen after a few days of home treatment, if you have a weakened immune system, or if you wear contact lenses. Contact lens wearers with conjunctivitis should remove their lenses immediately and not wear them again until symptoms fully resolve. Bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, is a serious risk for contact lens wearers and requires urgent treatment.

Newborns with eye redness, swelling, or discharge should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Conjunctivitis in a baby under 28 days old can be caused by serious infections, including gonorrhea or chlamydia passed during birth. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent vision damage.

Can You Prevent Conjunctivitis From Spreading?

Prevention is largely about hygiene. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread through contact with infected discharge. The virus or bacteria can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and towels for hours to days. Regular handwashing with soap and water is the single most effective preventive measure.

Do not share personal items during an active infection. This includes towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye drops, and makeup. Replace or discard any eye makeup you used just before or during the infection. Wash pillowcases and towels in hot water with detergent.

Children with conjunctivitis should stay home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious. For bacterial conjunctivitis, this is typically 24 hours after starting antibiotics. For viral conjunctivitis, children should stay home while symptoms are active, usually 3 to 7 days. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, so children can attend school normally.

What Are The Common Myths About Pink Eye?

One persistent myth is that pink eye is always contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis and irritant-induced conjunctivitis, such as from chlorine or smoke, are not contagious at all. Only viral and bacterial forms spread from person to person.

Another myth is that you can catch pink eye by looking at someone who has it. This is false. The infection spreads through direct contact with infected secretions, not through eye contact or through the air. You would need to touch contaminated surfaces or fluids and then touch your own eye.

Some people believe that all pink eye requires antibiotics. This is incorrect. Viral conjunctivitis, which is the most common type, does not respond to antibiotics. Using antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to bacterial resistance and does not shorten the illness. Only bacterial infections benefit from antibiotic treatment, and a doctor should confirm this diagnosis.