Is It Pink Eye? Why Your Eye Is Red & Medically Approved Next Steps

Waking up with a red eye can be unsettling. Is it pink eye? Is it something serious? Or is it just irritation that will go away on its own?

Eye redness is common and often mild. But sometimes it signals a condition that needs medical care. Here's how to understand what may be happening, what to watch for, and what to do next.

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What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye (also called conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and lines your eyelids.

When this tissue becomes irritated or infected, the tiny blood vessels inside it swell. That's what causes the eye to look pink or red.

Pink eye is one of the most common causes of red eyes in both children and adults.

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The Main Types of Pink Eye

Not all pink eye is the same. The cause affects how it feels, how contagious it is, and how it should be treated.

1. Viral Pink Eye

• Most common type
• Often caused by the same viruses that cause colds
• Highly contagious
• May start in one eye and spread to the other
• Watery discharge
• Often comes with cold symptoms (runny nose, sore throat)

This type usually clears up on its own in 1–2 weeks.

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2. Bacterial Pink Eye

• More common in children
• Thick yellow or green discharge
• Eyelids may stick together, especially in the morning
• Can affect one or both eyes
• Contagious

Bacterial pink eye may require prescription antibiotic eye drops.

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3. Allergic Pink Eye

• Not contagious
• Often affects both eyes
• Intense itching
• Watery discharge
• Associated with seasonal allergies

This type improves with allergy treatment and avoiding triggers.

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4. Irritant or Chemical Pink Eye

• Caused by smoke, chlorine, pollution, or foreign objects
• Usually improves once the irritant is removed
• May cause burning or stinging

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Is It Really Pink Eye? Other Causes of Eye Redness

Not every red eye is pink eye. Other conditions can look similar — and some are more serious.

Common Non-Pink Eye Causes

• Dry eye syndrome
• Contact lens irritation
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage (a broken blood vessel that looks like a red patch)
• Eye strain
• Foreign body in the eye

These are often uncomfortable but not dangerous.

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More Serious Causes (Less Common)

• Keratitis (corneal inflammation or infection)
• Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Eye injury

These conditions can threaten vision and require urgent care.

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Red Flags: When It's NOT Just Pink Eye

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Moderate to severe eye pain
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Severe headache with nausea
• A history of eye injury
• Symptoms in a contact lens wearer that are worsening
• Thick discharge with worsening redness and pain
• A weakened immune system

Pink eye usually causes irritation, not severe pain or vision changes. If those symptoms are present, something more serious may be happening.

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How to Tell If It's Likely Pink Eye

While only a healthcare professional can confirm a diagnosis, these patterns can help:

It may be pink eye if:

• The eye looks pink or red
• There is discharge (watery or thick)
• It feels gritty or irritated
• Eyelids stick together in the morning
• There is mild swelling

It may not be simple pink eye if:

• You have strong pain
• Vision is affected
• Only one small, sharply defined red patch is present (possible broken blood vessel)
• You recently had eye trauma

If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, use a free AI-powered Eye redness symptom checker to quickly identify potential causes and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

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What to Do Next: Medically Approved Steps

1. Don't Touch or Rub Your Eye

Rubbing can:

• Make irritation worse
• Spread infection
• Damage the cornea

Wash your hands frequently, especially if discharge is present.

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2. Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts:

• Remove them immediately
• Do not reuse the same pair
• Wait until symptoms fully resolve before restarting

Contact lens users are at higher risk for serious corneal infections.

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3. Use Supportive Care at Home

For mild cases of suspected viral or allergic pink eye:

• Apply a clean, cool compress
• Use preservative-free artificial tears
• Keep eyelids clean with warm water
• Avoid eye makeup

Do not share towels, pillows, or cosmetics.

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4. Know When Antibiotics Are Needed

Antibiotic drops:

• Help bacterial pink eye
• Do NOT help viral pink eye
• Do NOT treat allergies

A doctor can determine if antibiotics are appropriate. Using them unnecessarily does not speed healing and may contribute to resistance.

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5. Manage Allergies if Present

If itching is the main symptom:

• Use antihistamine eye drops
• Avoid allergens
• Consider oral allergy medication

Allergic pink eye often improves quickly with proper treatment.

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How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

• Viral pink eye: 1–2 weeks
• Bacterial pink eye: Improves within a few days of treatment
• Allergic pink eye: Improves once allergen exposure is controlled
• Irritant pink eye: Often clears within 24–48 hours

If symptoms worsen or fail to improve after several days, medical evaluation is important.

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Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious.

You can reduce spread by:

• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding touching your eyes
• Not sharing personal items
• Staying home from school or work if discharge is active

Allergic and irritant pink eye are not contagious.

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Children and Pink Eye

Pink eye is especially common in children due to close contact in schools and daycare.

Call a pediatrician if your child has:

• Thick discharge
• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Fever with worsening symptoms
• Symptoms lasting more than several days

Many cases are mild, but children may need antibiotic drops for bacterial pink eye.

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The Bottom Line

If your eye is red, pink eye is one possible cause — but not the only one.

Most cases are mild and resolve with supportive care. However, certain symptoms signal something more serious and should not be ignored.

Mild symptoms?

• Monitor closely
• Use supportive care
• Check your symptoms with a free Eye redness symptom checker to understand what might be causing your discomfort

Concerning symptoms?

• Pain
• Vision changes
• Light sensitivity
• Severe headache
• Eye injury

These require prompt medical evaluation.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor immediately if:

• Vision changes occur
• You have significant eye pain
• You suspect a corneal infection
• Symptoms rapidly worsen
• You have a weakened immune system
• A child under 3 months has eye redness

While pink eye is usually not dangerous, some causes of red eye can threaten vision if untreated. Early evaluation protects your sight.

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Final Thoughts

Most red eyes are caused by common, treatable conditions like pink eye, dryness, or irritation. It's okay to stay calm — but it's also important not to ignore warning signs.

If you're unsure what's causing your eye redness, start with basic care, monitor symptoms closely, and seek professional guidance when needed.

Your vision matters. When in doubt, speak to a doctor.