Conjunctivitis is the medical name for pink eye. It involves inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and inside of the eyelid. It can cause swelling, itching, burning, discharge, and redness. Causes include:
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Allergies
- Substances that cause irritation
- Contact lens products, eye drops, or eye ointments
Pink eye usually does not affect vision. Infectious pink eye can easily spread from one person to another. The infection will clear in most cases without medical care, but bacterial pink eye needs treatment with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
NIH: National Eye Institute
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Read the full topic on MedlinePlus
Medicines whose label mentions pink eye
These medicines list it among their uses on the official FDA label. This is not a treatment recommendation: only a clinician who knows your history can decide what’s right for you.
When to get urgent help
If symptoms come on suddenly, are severe, or you’re worried, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. For anything less urgent, contact your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the likely cause in my case, and what tests might I need?
- What are my treatment options, and what are the trade-offs?
- Which symptoms mean I should seek urgent care?
- What changes to diet, activity or habits would help?