Common symptoms
Eye redness
Pink or red coloring of the white of the eye, often in one or both eyes
Eye discharge
Watery or thick, yellowish discharge that may crust overnight
Itching
Constant urge to rub or scratch the eye due to irritation
Burning sensation
Feeling of heat or stinging inside or around the eye
Gritty feeling
Sensation that something is stuck in the eye
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear layer covering the white of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens. Bacterial and viral types are highly contagious and spread through direct contact.
Bacterial conjunctivitis often improves quickly with antibiotic eye drops, usually within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. Viral types must resolve on their own over 7 to 14 days. Allergic conjunctivitis improves when the allergen is removed.
Once symptoms resolve, the eye returns to its normal appearance. Washing all pillowcases, towels, and avoiding shared eye products during recovery prevents reinfection.