Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is swelling of the thin, clear layer that covers the white of your eye. The CDC calls it one of the most common and treatable eye conditions. Knowing which kind you have matters, because it decides whether you need drops, whether you should stay home and how fast it clears.
What are the main types of pink eye?
There are three main types. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes them like this.
| Type | Cause | Common signs | Contagious? | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viral | Often the same viruses as colds | Watery discharge, often starts in one eye | Yes, very | No specific medicine, comfort care |
| Bacterial | Bacteria, sometimes from your own nose | Thick yellow or green discharge, crusting | Yes, very | Antibiotic eye drops |
| Allergic | Pollen, dust, pet dander | Itching, watery eyes, both eyes | No | Allergy eye drops |
Chemicals, contact lenses and something stuck in the eye, like a loose eyelash, can cause it too.
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious. The CDC says they spread easily from person to person. Allergic pink eye doesn't spread at all.
The usual route is hands. Someone rubs an infected eye, touches a doorknob, and you touch the same doorknob and then your own eye. Shared towels, pillowcases, eye makeup and poorly cleaned contact lenses are other common culprits.
What does pink eye look like?
The white of the eye turns pink or red. You'll usually notice one or more of these too:
- Itching or burning
- Watery discharge, or thick yellow discharge
- Crust on the lashes, especially after sleep
- A gritty feeling, like sand in the eye
- Swollen eyelids
How can you avoid catching or spreading pink eye?
Simple hygiene prevents most cases. It's not exciting advice, but it works.
- Wash your hands before touching your face or eyes.
- Use your own towel and pillowcase, and wash them often.
- Don't share eye makeup or eye drops.
- Clean and store contact lenses exactly as directed.
- Throw out eye makeup you used while infected.
Can you treat pink eye at home?
For mild viral pink eye, yes. The AAO suggests a cool, wet washcloth and artificial tears for comfort while your body clears the virus.
Bacterial pink eye usually needs antibiotic drops, and antibiotics don't help viral or allergic pink eye. That's the main reason to get it checked instead of guessing. Our page on pink eye treatment explains what we look for.
Is it pink eye or something else?
A red eye isn't always pink eye. A few other common problems look similar.
| Condition | How it usually feels | Main clue |
|---|---|---|
| Pink eye | Itchy, gritty, with discharge | Redness across the white of the eye |
| Stye | A tender bump on the eyelid | Swelling at the lid edge, not the white of the eye |
| Dry eye | Burning, tired eyes | Worse with screens and air conditioning |
| Something in the eye | Sharp pain, watering | Started suddenly, often one eye |
Real pain, blurry vision or light that hurts your eyes point to something more serious than pink eye. Those need to be checked the same day.
How is pink eye diagnosed?
Usually with a quick look and a few questions. Your doctor checks the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids, asks how it started and whether you wear contacts, and looks at the type of discharge.
Lab tests are rarely needed. They're saved for infections that don't improve with treatment or look unusual.
Why does pink eye spread so fast in schools?
Kids touch their faces constantly, share everything and don't always wash their hands. One child with viral pink eye can pass it around a classroom in days.
If your child has it, keep them home until their eyes are no longer red with discharge, and wash their pillowcase and towels in hot water. Our guide on how long pink eye is contagious covers when it's safe to go back.
What causes pink eye in babies?
Newborns can get pink eye from infections, irritation or a blocked tear duct. The CDC says a newborn with pink eye symptoms should see a doctor right away, because some infections at that age can be very serious. Don't wait to see if it clears.
What does green discharge from the eye mean?
Thick yellow or green discharge, crusty lashes and eyelids stuck together in the morning are classic signs of bacterial pink eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Viral pink eye usually makes a thinner, watery discharge, and allergic pink eye causes itchy, watery eyes with little crusting.
A little crust in the corners after sleep is normal. But if green goop keeps coming back during the day, or your eye is red and irritated, get it checked. Green discharge with eye pain, blurry vision or sensitivity to light should be seen the same day.
How do you get rid of pink eye fast?
The fastest fix depends on which type you have.
| Type | What clears it | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial | Antibiotic eye drops from a doctor | Often better within a few days of starting drops |
| Viral | Cool compresses, artificial tears and time | Usually one to two weeks |
| Allergic | Allergy eye drops and avoiding the trigger | Eases quickly once treated |
Whatever the type, keep your hands away from your eyes, skip contact lenses and wash towels and pillowcases. A $59 TeleVisit or a walk in visit tells you which type you have, so you don't waste days on the wrong treatment.
When should you see a doctor for pink eye?
Get seen if you have thick discharge, eye pain, blurry vision that doesn't clear when you blink, strong sensitivity to light, or if you wear contacts and your eye is red and painful.
The CDC says newborns with pink eye symptoms should see a doctor right away. And if it's been more than a week or two, read how long pink eye lasts so you know what's normal.
You can walk in at our Haines City or Plant City clinic, or show us your eye on a $59 TeleVisit. If itching in both eyes comes back every spring, it may be allergies, and our allergy care can help.
How does pink eye spread in a household?
Viral and bacterial pink eye spread mostly through touch. Someone rubs an infected eye, then touches a doorknob, a remote or a shared towel, and the next person picks up the germs and touches their own eye. When a cold virus is the cause, coughs and sneezes can spread it too.
In a busy home, simple habits stop most of the spread:
- Give the sick person their own towel and washcloth
- Wash pillowcases, sheets and towels in hot water
- Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, phones and remotes
- Wash your hands after putting in eye drops or touching your eyes
- Never share eye makeup, contact lens cases or eye drops
Is it safe to swim with pink eye?
It's best to stay out of pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean until your eyes are clear. Chlorine doesn't kill every germ right away, pool water can irritate eyes that are already red, and you could pass the infection to other swimmers.
Contact lenses add another risk. The CDC warns that water from pools, lakes and the tap can carry germs that cause serious eye infections, so take your lenses out before swimming or showering.
What happens at an urgent care visit for pink eye?
The doctor looks closely at your eyes with a light and asks about discharge, itching, contact lenses, a recent cold and allergies. Those answers usually point to the type of pink eye. If needed, the doctor checks your vision too.
Bacterial pink eye is often treated with antibiotic eye drops, allergic pink eye with allergy drops, and viral pink eye with comfort care while it runs its course. If you have real eye pain, blurry vision or a recent eye injury, you may be referred to an eye doctor the same day. Learn more about our pink eye treatment.
Can you get pink eye from lake or ocean water?
You can. Lakes, rivers and even the ocean can carry bacteria and viruses, and sand, salt, sunscreen and chlorine can all irritate the eyes. Often the red, stinging eyes you get after a day at the beach are irritation, not infection, and they clear within a day once you rinse with clean water and rest your eyes.
If the redness lasts past a day, or you notice yellow or green discharge, crusting or eyelids stuck together in the morning, it may be an infection and is worth getting checked.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get pink eye from a pillow?
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Yes, if the pillowcase has fluid from an infected eye on it. Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread through shared pillows, towels and bedding. Wash pillowcases in hot water daily while anyone in the house has pink eye.
Can a cold cause pink eye?
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Yes. The same viruses that cause colds often cause viral pink eye, which is why it frequently shows up alongside a runny nose or sore throat. It spreads easily, so wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes.
Can you wear contacts with pink eye?
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No. Take your contacts out until your eyes are completely clear, and ask your doctor before putting them back in. Throw away the lenses and the case you wore while infected, since they can carry the infection back into your eye. Wear glasses until you've fully healed.
Do adults get pink eye as often as kids?
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Adults get pink eye too, though it spreads fastest among children in schools and daycares. Adults who wear contacts or care for young kids are more likely to catch it. The symptoms and treatment are the same at any age.
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis), American Academy of Ophthalmology
- About Pink Eye, CDC
- Contact Lens Wear and Water, CDC
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
