Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the inner eyelids. It is one of the most common eye conditions seen in all age groups, from infants to older adults.
Most people know it as pink eye or eye flu. The eye looks red or pink because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate during inflammation.
Conjunctivitis is not usually dangerous. But it is uncomfortable, often contagious, and sometimes confused with other eye conditions that need urgent attention.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her approach focuses on identifying risk before damage is irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term. Emphasis on early detection, risk assessment, and continuity of care. She is rated 5 stars across 1,500+ patient reviews on Google.
Types of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is not one condition. The cause determines the treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type. It spreads easily from person to person and is often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection. It usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks.
Bacterial conjunctivitis causes a sticky yellow or green discharge. It responds to antibiotic eye drops. Without treatment, it can persist and occasionally spread to the cornea.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not infective and not contagious. It is triggered by dust, pollen, pet dander, or other allergens, and can cause intense itching. It is often seasonal. You can read more about it on the eye allergy page.
Chemical or irritant conjunctivitis results from exposure to chlorine, smoke, fumes, or foreign bodies. It is not contagious and resolves once the irritant is removed.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Symptoms vary slightly by cause but the common features include:
- Redness of one or both eyes
- Watering or discharge
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eye
- Swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva
- Sticky eyelids on waking, especially with bacterial infection
- Transient blurring of vision
- Intense itching, more common in allergic conjunctivitis
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Most conjunctivitis is mild. But some symptoms need prompt attention:
- Severe pain in the eye
- Significant reduction in vision that does not clear with blinking
- Intense sensitivity to light
- Symptoms that worsen rapidly or do not improve after a week
- Conjunctivitis in a newborn
These symptoms may point to a more serious condition such as corneal involvement, uveitis, or acute glaucoma — all of which need urgent evaluation.
Management of Conjunctivitis
Treatment depends on the cause.
For viral conjunctivitis, antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on comfort — preservative-free lubricating eye drops reduce irritation, and cold compresses ease swelling. Most cases resolve within 7 to 14 days.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.
For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine eye drops and avoidance of triggers form the core of treatment. Anti-inflammatory drops help in more severe cases.
In some situations — particularly in diabetic or immunocompromised patients — a doctor may prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic even for a viral infection to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
How to Limit the Spread
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread through direct and indirect contact. These steps reduce transmission:
- Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the eyes
- Do not touch or rub the infected eye
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup
- Avoid contact lenses until your doctor confirms it is safe to resume
- Stay away from school or work if discharge is heavy — particularly in children
A Note on Self-Treatment
Many patients use over-the-counter antibiotic or steroid drops without a prescription. This is not advisable. Steroid drops used without examination can worsen viral infections and occasionally trigger serious complications including raised eye pressure and glaucoma. Always have a comprehensive eye examination before starting any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread through:
• Hand contact
• Towels
• Cosmetics
• Eye rubbing
• Close contact environments like schools and offices
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Good hygiene significantly reduces transmission risk.
What is the treatment for conjunctivitis?
Treatment depends on the cause:
• Viral conjunctivitis → lubrication and hygiene
• Bacterial conjunctivitis → antibiotic drops when indicated
• Allergic conjunctivitis → anti-allergy medication, low dose steroids depending on severity
• Dry eye related redness → tear film stabilisation
Steroid eye drops should never be used without ophthalmologist supervision because they can worsen infections and may trigger glaucoma in susceptible individuals.
How long does conjunctivitis take to recover?
Recovery depends on cause:
• Viral conjunctivitis: 7–14 days
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: 5–10 days
• Allergic conjunctivitis: depends on allergen control
If symptoms persist beyond expected timelines, further evaluation may be needed to rule out masqueraders.
When should I see an eye specialist urgently?
Seek urgent consultation if you have:
• Reduced vision
• Severe eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Recurrent episodes
• No improvement after 3–5 days
• History of glaucoma
• Contact lens use with redness
These may indicate conditions more serious than conjunctivitis.
Can conjunctivitis affect vision permanently?
Most cases recover fully. However delayed diagnosis, inappropriate steroid use, or missed alternative diagnoses may rarely cause complications.
Early diagnosis helps prevent unnecessary risk.
How do ophthalmologists differentiate conjunctivitis from more serious causes of red eye?
Clinical examination typically includes:
• Visual acuity testing
• Slit lamp examination
• Corneal evaluation
• Anterior chamber assessment
• Eye pressure measurement when needed
• Risk stratification based on symptoms
The key clinical question is often not just how to treat redness, but whether this is truly conjunctivitis or something more serious.
How can conjunctivitis be prevented?
Prevention strategies include:
• Hand hygiene
• Avoid eye rubbing
• Avoid sharing towels
• Replace eye cosmetics after infection
• Proper contact lens care
• Early consultation if symptoms worsen
Preventive eye care remains the most effective strategy to avoid complications.
Is pink eye the same as conjunctivitis?
Yes. Pink eye is the common name for infective conjunctivitis. The term refers to the characteristic redness caused by dilated surface blood vessels.
Can steroid eye drops treat conjunctivitis?
Steroid drops should only be prescribed by an eye doctor after examination. Used incorrectly, steroids can worsen viral conjunctivitis, delay healing, and raise eye pressure — increasing the risk of glaucoma.
How is conjunctivitis different from dry eye or allergy?
All three cause red, uncomfortable eyes. Dry eye causes burning and grittiness, worse with screen use. Allergy causes intense itching, often with sneezing. Infective conjunctivitis typically causes discharge and may affect one eye first. An eye examination is the reliable way to distinguish them.
Read the research articles
This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. This article was edited in April 2026.
She has published peer-reviewed research on eye care, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.
Her work can be accessed on Pubmed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and ORCID.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya
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