Conjunctivitis: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your eyes turn red, feel gritty, or leak discharge, you’re likely dealing with conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. Also known as pink eye, it’s one of the most common eye problems—especially in kids, but adults get it too. It’s not usually serious, but it’s contagious, uncomfortable, and easy to misdiagnose. Many people assume all red eyes are the same, but the cause changes everything—whether it’s a virus, bacteria, allergies, or even an irritant like chlorine or smoke.

Viral conjunctivitis, often linked to colds or flu viruses is the most common type. It usually clears on its own in a week or two, but you can spread it easily—through touch, towels, or even coughing. Bacterial conjunctivitis, caused by germs like staph or strep, looks different: thicker, yellow or green discharge, often starting in one eye and spreading fast. Antibiotics can help here, but only if it’s truly bacterial. And then there’s allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by pollen, pet dander, or dust, which itches like crazy and comes with sneezing or a runny nose. It’s not contagious, but it’s just as annoying.

What you don’t do matters just as much as what you do. Don’t rub your eyes. Don’t share pillows or makeup. Wash your hands often. Cold compresses help with swelling. Artificial tears can soothe dryness. But don’t grab antibiotic eye drops just because your eye is red—most cases don’t need them. Misuse leads to resistance, and some treatments can make things worse. If symptoms last more than a few days, get worse, or affect your vision, see a doctor. It might be something else—like a corneal scratch or uveitis—that needs different care.

The posts below cover real situations people face: how to tell if your pink eye is viral or bacterial, what to do when antibiotics don’t work, how to prevent it from spreading in your home, and even how some medications (like antibiotics for other issues) can trigger eye problems. You’ll find practical advice—not theory, not fluff—just what works when your eyes are burning and you need answers fast.