Overview

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin piece of tissue that covers the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, it looks pink or red from a distance. Pink eye is a common condition. It is most common in children, but adults may also get pink eye.

 

The two most common causes of pink eye are an infection with a virus (known as viral conjunctivitis) or an allergic reaction (called allergic conjunctivitis). An infection with bacteria can also cause conjunctivitis. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious. They spread by direct contact with infected eye secretions, or contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with these eye secretions

 

The specific pink eye treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on what is causing the symptoms. If a person is diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic drops or ointment will be prescribed. Medicines can also be used to treat conjunctivitis caused by allergies. There are no medicines that will cure pink eye caused by a virus; healthcare providers will treat the symptoms as the body takes care of the conjunctivitis on its own.