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Pink Eye
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Pink Eye

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, involves inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.

Overview

Conjunctivitis is the medical name for pink eye. It involves inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and inside of the eyelid. It can cause swelling, itching, burning, discharge, and redness.

Causes

Causes include:

  • Bacterial or viral infection
  • Allergies
  • Substances that cause irritation
  • Contact lens products, eye drops, or eye ointments

Management

Pink eye usually does not affect vision. Infectious pink eye can easily spread from one person to another. The infection will clear in most cases without medical care, but bacterial pink eye needs treatment with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Strict hygiene is essential to stop transmission. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes. Do not share towels, pillowcases, makeup, or eye makeup removers. If you wear contact lenses, discard any disposable lenses and case used during the infection and replace them with new ones after the infection has cleared. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can transfer the pathogen to other surfaces or your other eye.
Yes, wearing contact lenses during an active infection can trap bacteria or viruses against the cornea, potentially leading to more severe complications such as corneal ulcers. It is recommended to stop wearing contact lenses immediately when symptoms begin and switch to glasses until the infection has completely resolved and your doctor gives the all-clear. This allows the eye to heal and ensures that antibiotic drops can effectively reach the surface of the eye.
For viral pink eye, you can generally return to work or school once the discharge has stopped and your eyes no longer appear red, which may take several days. For bacterial pink eye, most guidelines suggest you can return 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops, provided your symptoms are improving. However, always check with your healthcare provider or the specific facility's policy, as some schools may require a note from a doctor confirming you are no longer contagious.
llergic conjunctivitis is often bilateral, meaning it affects both eyes simultaneously, whereas infectious pink eye usually starts in one eye and may spread to the other. Allergic pink eye is typically accompanied by intense itching, sneezing, and a runny nose, often occurring during pollen seasons or after exposure to known allergens like pet dander. It is not contagious and does not produce the thick, yellow-green discharge typical of bacterial infections.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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