Quick read
Key points
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Conjunctivitis, often called "pink eye," is inflammation of the thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It causes redness, itching, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye, and can affect one or both eyes.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision (rather than just redness and discharge)
01 · Know
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, often called "pink eye," is inflammation of the thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It causes redness, itching, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye, and can affect one or both eyes.
It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or by an allergic reaction to things like pollen or pet dander. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and spread easily through touch, while allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious at all.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Good hygiene limits spread
Infectious conjunctivitis spreads easily through hand-to-eye contact and shared items like towels or pillows. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching the eyes helps protect others, especially in households with children.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1Eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision (rather than just redness and discharge)
- 2Symptoms don't improve after a week, or get noticeably worse
- 3Thick, pus-like discharge that keeps recurring after cleaning
- 4It occurs in a newborn baby
- 5You wear contact lenses and develop eye symptoms
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Avoid Sharing Towels or Makeup
Infectious conjunctivitis spreads easily. Use a separate towel and pillowcase, and avoid sharing eye makeup, until symptoms have fully cleared.
- 1Clean the eye gently.Use cooled boiled water and a clean cotton wool pad, wiping from the inner to outer corner, using a fresh pad for each eye.
- 2Apply a cool compress.A clean, cool, damp cloth held gently over closed eyes can soothe irritation.
- 3Avoid wearing contact lenses.Switch to glasses until symptoms have fully resolved to avoid further irritation and reduce infection risk.
- 4Wash hands frequently.Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or applying any treatment.
- 5Don't share personal items.Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup while symptoms are present.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Conjunctivitis ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Most cases of conjunctivitis, especially viral ones, clear up on their own within one to two weeks without needing prescription treatment.
Good hand hygiene is the most effective way to avoid spreading it to others — or to your other eye.