Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. Viral and bacterial forms may spread between people; allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Symptoms overlap, so discharge color alone cannot identify the cause.
Viral conjunctivitis
Common viral conjunctivitis often improves with time and supportive care. Antibiotics do not treat it. Some viral eye infections, including herpes-related disease, need specific medical treatment and should not simply be left to run their course.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Some mild bacterial cases improve without medication; other cases need antibiotic treatment. Your clinician considers age, severity, contact-lens use, and the examination before deciding. A contact-lens-related corneal infection is a different and potentially serious problem.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Itching is common with allergy. Avoiding a known trigger and appropriate allergy drops may help, but persistent or unusual symptoms deserve examination.
Protect your eyes and other people
Wash hands, avoid sharing towels and eye makeup, and stop contact-lens wear until your clinician says it is safe. Pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision needs prompt care. Do not reuse steroid drops. See our urgent-eye-care guide and the CDC’s pink-eye treatment guidance.
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This article was published June 5, 2019. For advice about your own eyes, speak with your optometrist.
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