Understanding Pink Eye: Causes, Treatment and When to Seek Care

Pink eye: what it means

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the white of the eye and lining the eyelids. It can make one or both eyes look red, watery, itchy or sticky. Although many cases settle without complications, not every red eye is conjunctivitis. Pain, altered vision or contact lens use can change how urgently you need care.

This guide explains the likely causes, practical self-care, when medicines may help and when an eye examination matters more than an online consultation.

Compare the common patterns

These are clues, not a diagnosis. Symptoms overlap, and treatment depends on the clinical assessment.

When a red eye needs urgent care

Seek urgent same-day in-person assessment for eye pain, significant light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, a suspected foreign body, or redness while wearing contact lenses. A red, painful eye in a contact lens wearer can indicate a corneal infection that threatens sight.

Go to an emergency department immediately for sudden vision loss, serious eye injury, chemical exposure or severe eye pain with headache, nausea or vomiting. If chemicals enter the eye, start rinsing with clean running water immediately while arranging emergency care.

Newborns with red or discharging eyes need prompt medical assessment. People with reduced immunity, recent eye surgery or worsening symptoms should also seek timely in-person advice.

What can you do at home?

• Wash your hands before and after touching the eye.
• Use a clean, cool compress for comfort; do not share cloths or towels.
• Gently clean crusting with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes and pause eye makeup until symptoms resolve.
• Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have fully resolved and an eye-care professional advises it is safe to resume. Do not reuse potentially contaminated lenses or cases.
• Lubricating eye drops may relieve irritation; ask a pharmacist which product is suitable.

Avoid using someone else’s prescription eye drops or leftover antibiotics. Steroid eye drops should not be started without an eye specialist’s direction.

Do you need antibiotic eye drops?

Not necessarily. Viral conjunctivitis generally improves without antibiotics, and allergic conjunctivitis needs a different approach. Some bacterial cases resolve on their own, while others may warrant prescribed treatment. The choice depends on your symptoms, medical history and whether an examination is needed.

A DocTel pink-eye consultation can help you understand suitable next steps when symptoms are mild and there are no warning signs. A prescription is not guaranteed and is issued only when clinically appropriate. If the clinician cannot safely assess your eye remotely, they may recommend an optometrist, GP clinic or emergency service instead.

Pink eye in children, contact lens wearers and families

Children

Children can develop viral, bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis. Encourage handwashing and avoid sharing face washers. School or childcare exclusion rules can vary by jurisdiction and the suspected infection; follow your service’s policy and public-health advice. Read more about pink eye in children and adults.

Contact lens wearers

Do not assume redness is routine conjunctivitis. Remove your lenses and seek same-day in-person eye assessment, particularly if there is pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision. See our contact lens and pink eye guide.

Allergy symptoms

When itching is the main feature and both eyes are affected, allergy may be more likely. An Australian pharmacist or clinician can discuss suitable non-prescription measures or further assessment.

Choosing the right next step

Mild redness, irritation or discharge without pain or vision changes? Start with the DocTel pink-eye service to understand whether a remote GP assessment is suitable.

Not sure what is causing the symptoms, or have several health concerns? A general GP telehealth consultation may help with initial triage and advice on whether an in-person eye examination is required.

Eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, injury or contact lens-related redness? Skip online booking and seek urgent in-person eye care.

Reliable Australian guidance

For further information, consult Healthdirect Australia: conjunctivitis. This article is general information, not a substitute for individual medical assessment.