Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis and When to Seek Care
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection affecting the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can develop because of bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Although conjunctivitis is often mild, recognizing the symptoms can help you understand what may be happening and when professional care may be appropriate.
Because different types of conjunctivitis can cause similar symptoms, it is important not to assume that every red or irritated eye is the same. Understanding the common signs can help you take appropriate next steps.
Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
1. Red or Pink Eyes
One of the most noticeable signs of conjunctivitis is redness or pink discoloration in the white part of the eye. The redness may affect one eye initially and sometimes spread to the other eye.
Eye redness can have many causes, so redness alone does not necessarily mean you have conjunctivitis.
2. Eye Discharge
Discharge is another common symptom. Depending on the cause, it may be watery, mucus-like, or thicker and yellow-green.
Some people may notice their eyelids becoming crusted or sticking together, particularly after sleeping. The type and amount of discharge can provide useful information when a healthcare professional is assessing the condition.
3. Itching or Burning
Conjunctivitis may cause itching, burning, or general irritation. Itching is particularly common with allergic conjunctivitis, while viral or bacterial cases may produce more irritation or discomfort.
Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, as rubbing can increase irritation and may transfer germs from your hands to your eyes or surrounding surfaces.
4. Watery Eyes
Excessive watering can occur with conjunctivitis. Viral and allergic forms commonly cause watery eyes, although watering can also occur with other forms of eye irritation.
If your eyes are continuously watering along with redness or other symptoms, consider getting professional guidance to determine the likely cause.
5. Gritty or Irritated Feeling
Some people describe conjunctivitis as feeling like there is sand or a small foreign object in the eye. This gritty sensation can make blinking uncomfortable and may occur alongside redness and watering.
6. Mild Sensitivity to Light
Conjunctivitis can sometimes cause mild sensitivity to bright light. However, significant or painful light sensitivity should not automatically be attributed to pink eye and may require an in-person eye assessment.
What Causes Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can have several causes. Bacterial conjunctivitis may produce thicker discharge, while viral conjunctivitis is often associated with watery eyes and may occur alongside cold or upper respiratory symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis commonly causes itching and may affect both eyes.
The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial cases may be treated with antibacterial medication when appropriate, allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy-focused treatment, and viral conjunctivitis generally improves with supportive care because antibiotics do not treat viruses.
Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?
Some forms of conjunctivitis can spread from person to person. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious and can spread through contact with eye discharge, hands, towels, or contaminated surfaces. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Good hygiene can help reduce the chance of spreading an infectious form. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and avoid sharing towels, pillows, cosmetics, or other items that may come into contact with the eyes.
When Should You Seek Care?
Many uncomplicated cases of conjunctivitis can be assessed by a healthcare professional or pharmacist. However, certain symptoms should not be ignored.
Seek prompt in-person or emergency eye care if you experience:
- Significant or severe eye pain
- Vision changes or loss
- Marked or painful sensitivity to light
- A suspected foreign object or eye injury
- New eye pain while wearing contact lenses
- Symptoms in a newborn
- Symptoms that are severe, sudden, or rapidly worsening
These symptoms may indicate a problem that requires a more detailed eye examination rather than routine conjunctivitis care.
What About Contact Lenses?
If you have symptoms of conjunctivitis, avoid wearing contact lenses until your symptoms have completely resolved. Wearing contact lenses while the eye is irritated or infected can increase the risk of a more serious corneal infection.
Contact lens wearers who develop eye pain should seek in-person eye care rather than assuming the symptoms are simply pink eye.
Getting Help for Conjunctivitis
Recognizing the symptoms of conjunctivitis can help you determine what type of care you may need. Redness, discharge, itching, watering, irritation, and a gritty sensation are common signs, but symptoms can overlap with other eye conditions.
For uncomplicated conjunctivitis, eligible Ontario patients may be able to complete an online assessment through Rumini, where a licensed Ontario pharmacist can review the symptoms and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by vision changes, significant pain, or other warning signs, seek appropriate in-person eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctivitis
What is the most common symptom of conjunctivitis?
Eye redness is one of the most recognizable symptoms. Other common symptoms include discharge, itching or burning, watery eyes, a gritty sensation, and mild sensitivity to light.
How can I tell if conjunctivitis is contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious, while allergic conjunctivitis is not. Because symptoms can overlap, professional assessment can help determine the likely cause.
How long does conjunctivitis usually last?
The duration depends on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve within a few days after appropriate antibacterial treatment, while viral conjunctivitis commonly takes around one to two weeks to resolve. Allergic symptoms may improve after the trigger is avoided and appropriate allergy treatment is started.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?
No. It is recommended to avoid contact lenses until symptoms have completely resolved. Contact lens wearers with new eye pain should seek in-person care.
Can conjunctivitis go away on its own?
Some cases, particularly viral conjunctivitis, can resolve without antibiotics. Treatment depends on the cause, so appropriate assessment can help determine whether medication or supportive care is needed.
When should I see an eye care professional?
Seek in-person care for significant eye pain, vision changes, marked light sensitivity, an eye injury or suspected foreign object, symptoms in a newborn, or new eye pain associated with contact lens use.
