Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Treat It

Published by Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

You wake up one morning and your eye is red, itchy, and crusted shut. Sound familiar? That is most likely pink eye — one of the most common eye infections in the world. The good news is that it is usually harmless and clears up with the right care.

Here is everything you need to know.

What Exactly Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, medically called conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent layer that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids. When this layer gets inflamed, tiny blood vessels become more visible, giving the eye that characteristic pink or red colour.

It can affect people of any age, though children tend to get it more often because of close contact in schools and less frequent handwashing. It also spreads very easily, which is why it moves through households and classrooms so quickly.

Pink eye is especially common during the monsoon season, when higher humidity and increased spread of viruses create perfect conditions for eye infections.

The 5 Types of Pink Eye

Not all pink eye is the same. Knowing which type you have matters because each one is treated differently.

Viral Pink Eye is the most common type. It is highly contagious and usually starts in one eye before spreading to the other. It often comes alongside a cold or flu.

Bacterial Pink Eye produces a thick yellow or green discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping. It spreads through direct contact and is treated with antibiotic eye drops.

Allergic Conjunctivitis is triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander. It affects both eyes at once and causes intense itching. It is not contagious.

Neonatal Conjunctivitis affects newborns and can be caused by bacteria in the birth canal. It is serious and requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is common in contact lens wearers and causes redness and a gritty feeling in the eye due to lens irritation.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms differ slightly depending on the type, but the most common ones include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Watery or thick discharge (yellow or green in bacterial cases)
• Itching or burning sensation
• Eyelids sticking together in the morning
• Swollen or puffy eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision caused by discharge
• A gritty feeling, as if something is stuck in the eye

If your symptoms feel severe, worsen over a few days, or do not improve within a week, it is worth seeing a doctor.

What Causes Pink Eye?

Pink eye has both infectious and non-infectious causes.

Infectious causes include viruses (often the same ones that cause colds) and bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. These spread through touching your eyes with unwashed hands, sharing towels or makeup, or being in close contact with an infected person.

Non-infectious causes include allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander; irritants like smoke, chlorine, or chemical fumes; and improper use of contact lenses. In newborns, blocked tear ducts or exposure to bacteria during birth can also cause it.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain factors make you more likely to develop conjunctivitis:

• Spending time in crowded spaces such as schools, offices, or public transport
• Poor hand hygiene
• Seasonal allergies, especially in spring or monsoon season
• Extended contact lens wear or improper lens cleaning
• A weakened immune system
• Having a recent cold or respiratory infection

How Is It Diagnosed?

In most cases, a doctor can diagnose pink eye just by looking at your eye and reviewing your symptoms. For more persistent or severe cases, they may take a swab of the discharge to test for specific bacteria or viruses, or conduct allergy testing if an allergic cause is suspected.

Treatment: What Actually Works

Treatment depends entirely on the type of conjunctivitis you have.

Viral Pink Eye usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks. No medication is needed, but lubricating eye drops and cold compresses help with the discomfort. In rare cases involving herpes-related conjunctivitis, antiviral medication may be prescribed.

Bacterial Pink Eye is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. These speed up recovery and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Allergic Conjunctivitis is managed with antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Avoiding the allergen — whether that is pollen, dust, or a pet — is equally important.

Irritant-Related Pink Eye gets better by rinsing the eye with clean water and staying away from whatever caused the irritation. Artificial tears help with the discomfort.

At home, warm compresses help loosen crusted discharge in bacterial cases, while cold compresses soothe itching in allergic or viral cases. Always wash your hands before and after touching your eye, avoid rubbing it, and remove contact lenses until you have fully recovered.

Can Pink Eye Lead to Complications?

Most cases of pink eye are mild and pass without any lasting effects. However, if left untreated or poorly managed, complications can include:

• Corneal inflammation (keratitis), which can cause pain and blurred vision
• Chronic conjunctivitis that keeps coming back
• Spread of infection to others or to the other eye
• In newborns, risk of serious eye damage or vision loss if not treated promptly

How to Prevent Pink Eye

Prevention mostly comes down to hygiene.

Wash your hands often, especially before touching your face or eyes. Do not share towels, pillowcases, eye drops, or eye makeup — these are common routes of transmission. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home. If you wear contact lenses, clean them properly and never wear them longer than recommended. During allergy season, limit exposure to known triggers and consider wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors.

One often-overlooked tip: replace your mascara and eyeliner regularly. Eye makeup is a common source of bacterial buildup.

Eye Care at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

At Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, our Ophthalmology department offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all types of conjunctivitis and other eye conditions. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools including slit-lamp examination and lab testing, backed by the latest equipment for treatment of a wide range of eye diseases.

Whether it is a mild infection or a more complex eye condition, our ophthalmologists provide accurate diagnosis and personalised care.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If you are experiencing eye symptoms, please consult a qualified ophthalmologist.

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