Conjunctivitis? Why Your Eye Is Red and Medically Approved Next Steps

If your eye is red, irritated, or producing discharge, you may be dealing with conjunctivitis—commonly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of eye redness in children and adults. While it's often mild and temporary, some forms can spread easily or signal a more serious issue.

Here's what you need to know about conjunctivitis, what causes it, and the medically appropriate next steps.

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What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids.

When this tissue becomes irritated or infected, small blood vessels swell, making the white of your eye appear pink or red.

Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes.

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Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but often include:

• Red or pink color in the white of the eye
• Itchy or burning sensation
• Watery eyes
• Thick discharge (yellow, green, or white)
• Crusting on the eyelashes, especially after sleep
• Gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
• Mild swelling of the eyelids
• Increased sensitivity to light

Most cases are uncomfortable but not severely painful. Severe pain or vision changes are not typical of simple conjunctivitis and require urgent medical attention.

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What Causes Conjunctivitis?

There are several types of conjunctivitis, and identifying the cause helps guide treatment.

1. Viral Conjunctivitis (Most Common)

• Caused by viruses, often the same ones that cause the common cold
• Highly contagious
• Usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other
• Produces watery discharge
• May occur with cold symptoms (sore throat, runny nose)

Viral conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own within 1–2 weeks.

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2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Caused by bacteria
• Produces thicker yellow or green discharge
• Eyelids may stick together in the morning
• More common in children

Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by a doctor. Many mild cases improve without antibiotics, but medical guidance is important.

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3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander
• Usually affects both eyes
• Intense itching is common
• Watery discharge rather than thick mucus
• Often occurs seasonally

This type is not contagious and often improves with antihistamines or allergy eye drops.

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4. Irritant or Chemical Conjunctivitis

• Caused by smoke, chlorine, pollution, or chemical exposure
• Often improves once the irritant is removed
• Immediate rinsing of the eye is important

If chemicals get in your eye, rinse with clean water immediately and seek urgent care.

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When Is Eye Redness NOT Just Conjunctivitis?

Most cases of conjunctivitis are mild. However, red eye can sometimes signal something more serious, including:

• Keratitis (corneal inflammation)
• Uveitis
• Acute glaucoma
• Eye injury
• Corneal ulcer

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Moderate to severe eye pain
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Extreme light sensitivity
• Severe headache with nausea
• A history of eye injury
• Contact lens use with increasing pain
• Symptoms that worsen instead of improve

Do not ignore these warning signs.

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Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis is not.

If you have infectious conjunctivitis:

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Do not share towels, makeup, or pillowcases
• Replace eye makeup
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Avoid contact lens use until fully healed

Children may need to stay home from school depending on local policies and medical advice.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for Conjunctivitis

If you suspect conjunctivitis, here are appropriate, evidence-based steps:

1. Assess Your Symptoms Carefully

If you're experiencing red eyes and want to understand what might be causing it, try Ubie's free AI-powered Eye redness Symptom Checker to get personalized insights and guidance on whether you should seek medical care.

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2. Practice Supportive Care at Home

For mild cases:

• Use a clean, warm compress for comfort (cool compress for allergies)
• Clean discharge gently with a damp cloth
• Use preservative-free artificial tears
• Stop wearing contact lenses until cleared
• Avoid eye makeup

Do not use leftover antibiotic drops unless prescribed for your current condition.

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3. Speak to a Doctor When Appropriate

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than a few days without improvement
• Thick discharge continues
• Symptoms worsen
• You are unsure whether it's viral or bacterial
• A child has symptoms
• You wear contact lenses

A healthcare professional may:

• Examine your eye with a light
• Prescribe antibiotic drops (if bacterial)
• Recommend antihistamine drops (if allergic)
• Refer you to an eye specialist if needed

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4. Seek Urgent Care If Symptoms Are Severe

Go to urgent care or an emergency department if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss
• Severe eye pain
• Sensitivity to light with intense discomfort
• Severe headache with nausea
• Eye trauma
• Chemical exposure

These could indicate a serious or vision-threatening condition.

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How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last?

The duration depends on the type:

• Viral: 7–14 days
• Bacterial: 2–5 days with treatment; may last longer without
• Allergic: Improves when allergen exposure stops
• Irritant: Usually improves quickly once irritation is removed

If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, medical evaluation is important.

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Can Conjunctivitis Affect Vision Permanently?

Most cases of conjunctivitis do not cause permanent vision problems.

However, untreated severe infections or misdiagnosed conditions (like keratitis or glaucoma) can lead to complications. This is why it's important not to ignore severe pain, vision changes, or worsening symptoms.

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Preventing Conjunctivitis

You can lower your risk by:

• Washing hands regularly
• Avoiding touching your eyes
• Replacing eye makeup every 3 months
• Cleaning contact lenses properly
• Avoiding sharing personal items
• Managing seasonal allergies

Good hygiene goes a long way.

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The Bottom Line

Conjunctivitis is common and usually mild—but not always. Most cases improve with simple supportive care, and many do not require antibiotics. However, it's important to recognize when symptoms suggest something more serious.

If your eye is red, irritated, or producing discharge:

• Monitor your symptoms carefully
• Practice proper hygiene
• Use Ubie's free Eye redness Symptom Checker to help determine your next steps
• Speak to a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or involve pain or vision changes

Your vision is precious. If anything feels severe, unusual, or rapidly worsening, speak to a doctor immediately. Prompt medical care can prevent complications and protect your eyesight.

When in doubt, it's always safer to get checked.