Symptoms and signs of pink eye (conjunctivitis) include:¹

• Redness in the white of your eye (sclera) or on your eyelid’s inner surface.

• Eye discharge.

• A feeling that something is stuck in your eye, but nothing is there.

• Dry eyes.

• Watery eyes.

• Itchy or irritated eyes.

• Burning eyes.

• Blurred vision.

• Light sensitivity.

• Swollen eyelids.

• Mild eye pain or discomfort.

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a term for any inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane layer that covers parts of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. There are different types of pink eye classified by the cause of the inflammation.

Viral conjunctivitis

Viral pink eye is the most common type. The most common virus type to cause pink eye are adenoviruses, which cause upper respiratory infections similar to a cold or the flu. Other viruses that can potentially cause pink eye include measles; mumps; herpes; molluscum contagiosum; COVID-19; and hand, foot and mouth disease.²

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial pink eye is the second most common type of pink eye. Pink eye is often caused by bacteria that causes other common conditions like staph infections, strep throat, meningitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).³

Noninfectious conjunctivitis

While viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious, sometimes the inflammation can be caused by a noninfectious trigger. Common noninfectious causes of pink eye include allergens, irritants, toxic substances, eye injuries and immune disorders.⁴

There are three main causes of pink eye: viruses, bacteria and noninfectious causes.⁵

Viral pink eye can be caused by:

• Common systemic viruses like measles or mumps.

• Herpes virus.

• Molluscum contagiosum.

Less commonly, viral pink eye can be caused by COVID-19 or hand, foot and mouth disease.

Bacterial pink eye can be caused by:

• Staphylococcus, the bacteria family that causes staph infections.

• Streptococcus, the bacteria family that causes strep throat and pneumococcal disease.

• Haemophilus influenzae, the bacteria family that causes meningitis.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Noninfectious pink eye can be caused by:

• Allergens like mold, pollen or other substances.

• Irritants or toxic substances, including shampoos, cosmetics, contact lenses or contact solution, dirt, smoke, pool chlorine and certain medications.

• Eye Injuries that damage the conjunctiva.

• Immune disorders and conjunctival tumors or cancers.

The duration of pink eye varies depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Bacterial infections can last up to 10 days but can be cleared up quickly with treatment. Viral pink eye usually lasts up to two weeks but can sometimes last longer. Pink eye caused by allergens will continue as long as the allergen is present.⁶

Pink eye will continue or return if the cause keeps being introduced to the eyes. If the pink eye is an allergic reaction, the allergen needs to be eliminated. With bacterial pink eye, it’s possible to reinfect yourself with the same bacteria by using infected linens, makeup or contact lenses.⁷

There are a few conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye, including styes (hordeolum), eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) and dry eye.

Key signs of pink eye that are not commonly shared with other conditions include discharge and the feeling of grittiness in the eye.⁸

If pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it is highly contagious. Pink eye can spread between two eyes on one person or from person to person. As long as symptoms are present, pink eye can still be contagious.⁹

A milder case of pink eye can go away on its own without treatment. However, treatment helps relieve symptoms faster and clear up the infection sooner.¹⁰

Preventing pink eye means avoiding the introduction of bacteria, viruses or allergens to your eyes. You can help prevent pink eye by:¹¹

• Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently.

• Using eye protection.

• Never sharing things that touch your eyes like contacts or eye drops.

Pink eye is preventable and easily treated, but there is no permanent cure for pink eye.¹²

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Treatment options for pink eye will depend on the cause.

Viral pink eye will usually resolve on its own within two weeks. In severe cases, an antiviral can be used to treat viral pink eye.

Bacterial pink eye is treated with antibiotics, usually in the form of eye drops or ointment. Allergic pink eye is treated by removing the allergen, allergy eye drops or allergy medications like antihistamines.¹³

Yes, treatment options vary depending on the pink eye type.

Viral pink eye treatments are primarily home remedies like a cold compress or artificial tears. In severe cases, an antiviral may be prescribed.

Bacterial pink eye treatments include antibiotics like:

• Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (Ilotycin®)

• Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops (Ciloxan®)

• Tobramycin-dexamethasone drops (TobraDex®)

Allergic pink eye can be treated with antihistamines like loratadine oral tablets (Claritin®).

Pink eye can be treated at home by both medication and nonmedication options.

Some nonprescription treatment options for pink eye include applying a cold compress and using artificial tears.¹⁴

You can also get prescription treatment shipped to your home with RedBox Rx. Start a quick and easy online assessment and one of our licensed providers will help you find the best pink eye treatment for you.

Most cases of pink eye will resolve on their own, without treatment. In rare cases, pink eye can cause complications that lead to eye damage or blindness. If you are experiencing any of the following, please contact your provider:¹⁵

• An increase in sensitivity to light or a severe sensitivity.

• Blurred vision or decreased vision.

• Eye pain.

• Large amount of discharge from your eyes.

• Worsening symptoms.

RedBox Rx offers treatment options for pink eye with online telehealth services. Start a quick and easy online assessment and one of our licensed providers will help determine your best treatment options.

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View our telehealth and online pharmacy FAQs here.