Understanding Pink Eye – What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Handle It

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the transparent membrane (the conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eye (the sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids.AAO+3NCBI+3NCBI+3 When this membrane becomes inflamed, the eye often turns pink or red and may experience discharge, irritation or a gritty sensation.

Why Does Pink Eye Occur?

Conjunctivitis is broadly divided into infectious and non-infectious causes:

  • Viral: This is the most common cause of acute conjunctivitis (~80%) and often follows a cold or respiratory infection.

  • Bacterial: Less common than viral, bacterial conjunctivitis may produce a thicker discharge and can sometimes require treatment.
  • Allergic / irritant: Non-infectious causes include allergy, exposure to irritants (smoke, pool chlorine, cosmetics) or contact lens over-use.

Typical Signs & Symptoms

Patients with pink eye may experience:

  • Eye redness or pink appearance (“pink eye”).

  • Watery or sticky discharge (yellow/green in bacterial forms, clear in viral/allergic)

  • Gritty or foreign body sensation in the eye

  • Itching (especially in allergic), burning, light sensitivity

  • Eyelids sticking together on waking (common in bacterial types)

    How is It Diagnosed?

    Diagnosis is generally clinical: history (onset, discharge type, contact with others, allergy history) + eye exam (redness, discharge, conjunctival vessels). n many cases, laboratory testing is not required, unless there is suspicion of a serious underlying cause (e.g., gonococcal infection, corneal involvement).

      Contagion & Prevention

      Infectious (viral & bacterial) conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Good hygiene is essential: hand-washing, not sharing towels or eye cosmetics, avoiding touching eyes.

        When to Seek Professional Help

        See a healthcare provider if:

        • There is severe pain, vision loss, intense light sensitivity

        • There is a thick yellow/green discharge that persists or worsens

        • One eye becomes involved after the other, or symptoms persist beyond ~2 weeks

        • You wear contact lenses and develop red eye (risk of corneal involvement)

          Summary

          Pink eye is common and usually benign, but recognising the cause (viral vs bacterial vs allergic) helps guide management. With proper hygiene and appropriate symptom-care, most cases resolve without complications.

          • References

          • Conjunctivitis: A systematic review. PMC.

          • Conjunctivitis – Overview: InformedHealth.org.

          • Viral Conjunctivitis. PMC.

          • Bacterial Conjunctivitis – StatPearls.

          • Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic.

          • Conjunctivitis – Healthdirect (Australia).

          • Effect of Topical Antibiotics on Duration of Acute Infective Conjunctivitis. JAMA Network.

          • Conjunctivitis: A review. RACGP.

          • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – CDC.

          • Diagnosis and Management of Red Eye in Primary Care. AAFP.

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