Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) : Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Last updated on 24 Mar 2026
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions affecting people of all ages. Also known as pink eye, it involves inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white portion of the eyeball. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options helps you manage the condition promptly and prevent it from spreading to others.
Key Takeaways
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Are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis presents with a recognisable set of symptoms that typically affect one or both eyes. The most common signs include redness in the white part of the eye or the inner eyelid, excessive tearing, itching, and a persistent feeling of grittiness. Many people also experience a yellowish discharge that dries and crusts overnight, sometimes making it difficult to open the eyes in the morning. Additional symptoms include blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and eyelid swelling.
What Causes Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis affects more than 10 million people every year in India, making it one of the most common eye conditions seen in outpatient departments across the country.
Conjunctivitis develops through three primary pathways: allergic reaction, infectious transmission, and chemical exposure. Each type has its own distinct cause and risk profile.
1. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis commonly affects people with seasonal allergies. It develops when the eyes come into contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, or mould, triggering an inflammatory response. A specific subtype, giant papillary conjunctivitis, occurs in contact lens wearers who do not change their lens solution regularly or replace their lenses at the recommended intervals.
2. Infectious Conjunctivitis
Infectious conjunctivitis can be bacterial or viral, and both are highly contagious.
Bacterial conjunctivitis results from staphylococcal or streptococcal bacterial infection. It spreads most commonly when people touch or rub their eyes with unwashed hands, share eye makeup or cosmetic tools, or come into direct physical contact with an infected person.
Viral conjunctivitis most often results from common cold viruses and is a type of viral infection. The infection spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs near others. It can also develop when a person with a cold forcefully blows their nose, allowing the virus to travel from the respiratory system to the eyes.
3. Chemical Conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes are irritated or inflamed by chemical exposure. Common triggers include air pollution, chlorine from swimming pools, sensitivity to cosmetics, and irritation from shampoos or other personal care products.
Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?
Indian ophthalmology experts, writing in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (2023), have stated that viral conjunctivitis accounts for 80% of all infectious conjunctivitis cases in India, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial conjunctivitis, leading to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions that contribute to India's growing antimicrobial resistance problem.
Yes. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Allergic and chemical conjunctivitis, however, are not infectious and do not pass between individuals.
How Do Doctors Treat Conjunctivitis?
Dr Samrat Chatterjee, Consultant Ophthalmologist at MGM Eye Institute, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and lead author of a five-centre Indian study on the 2023 viral conjunctivitis outbreak, has stated that many patients with viral conjunctivitis bypass ophthalmologists entirely and go straight to general practitioners or self-medicate.
Treatment for conjunctivitis depends entirely on its underlying cause. Using the wrong treatment approach will not resolve the condition, which makes identifying the type of conjunctivitis an important first step.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis. A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotic eye drops or an ointment to clear the infection. Completing the full prescribed course is important even if symptoms improve quickly.
Viral Conjunctivitis
No eye drops or ointments currently exist to treat viral conjunctivitis directly. Like a common cold, the infection runs its course and resolves on its own. Cold or warm compression applied to the eyes provides meaningful symptomatic relief in the meantime. A doctor can also prescribe medication to manage discomfort while the infection clears.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
The most important step in treating allergic conjunctivitis is identifying and avoiding the allergen that triggers the reaction. Cold compression and artificial tears provide symptomatic relief. A doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory or antihistamine medication to reduce the inflammatory response.
Chemical Conjunctivitis
Thoroughly washing the eyes with saline solution is the standard first-line treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids to reduce inflammation and support recovery.
How Can You Prevent Conjunctivitis?
Several straightforward hygiene practices significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading conjunctivitis. Avoid touching your eyes or face with unwashed hands, and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap or hand wash. Do not share eye makeup, makeup brushes, face towels, or bedsheets with others. Use cosmetic and personal care products that are dermatologically tested and safe for use around the eyes. If you wear contact lenses, change your lens solution regularly and replace your lenses as recommended.
If you already have bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, taking these precautions protects the people around you from contracting the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does conjunctivitis last?
The duration depends on the type of conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically clears within one to two weeks with antibiotic treatment. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within one to three weeks. Allergic conjunctivitis persists for as long as exposure to the allergen continues.
2. Can conjunctivitis resolve without treatment?
Viral and mild allergic conjunctivitis often resolves without specific treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis, however, generally requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear the infection effectively and prevent it from worsening.
3. Can you wear contact lenses with conjunctivitis?
No. You should avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection fully clears. Continuing to wear lenses during an episode of conjunctivitis can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications.
4. When should you see a doctor for conjunctivitis?
Consult a doctor if your symptoms are severe, worsen rapidly, persist beyond a week without improvement, or if you experience significant pain or vision changes. People with weakened immune systems should seek medical advice promptly.
5. Can conjunctivitis affect vision permanently?
In most cases, conjunctivitis does not cause permanent vision damage when treated appropriately. However, severe or untreated infections, particularly bacterial cases, can lead to complications if left unmanaged. Seeking timely medical attention protects your long-term eye health.
Read Also
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html
Mayo Clinic. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms and Causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355.
Mayo Clinic. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Diagnosis and Treatment https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376360.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Conjunctivitis symptoms can overlap with those of other eye conditions, which may require different treatment approaches. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist, for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
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