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What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear tissue lining the inside of the eyelid and covering the white of the eye. It causes the eye to appear pink or red.

What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear tissue lining the inside of the eyelid and covering the white of the eye. It causes the eye to appear pink or red. It is very common and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. Most cases resolve on their own or with treatment.

When to seek care

See your eye doctor if symptoms are severe, vision is blurred, pain is significant, or symptoms have not improved after a few days. Newborns with eye discharge should be seen immediately. Contact lens wearers should stop lens wear and see a doctor promptly.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

  • Redness in one or both eyes
  • discharge (watery for viral, thick/yellow-green for bacterial, clear for allergic)
  • itching (most prominent in allergic type)
  • gritty or burning sensation
  • crusting of eyelids, especially upon waking
  • light sensitivity
  • swollen eyelids
  • increased tearing.

Causes & Risk Factors

Viral conjunctivitis: most common, caused by adenoviruses; highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis: caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or H. influenzae; also contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis: triggered by pollen, pet dander, dust mites; not contagious. Chemical/irritant conjunctivitis: from chlorine, smoke, or foreign bodies.

Treatment Options

  1. Overview

    Viral: usually self-limiting in 7‑14 days; cool compresses and artificial tears for comfort; antiviral drops for herpes-related cases. Bacterial: antibiotic eye drops or ointment (azithromycin, tobramycin). Allergic: antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer drops (olopatadine, ketotifen); avoid triggers; cool compresses.

Insurance & Cost for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

An office visit for red or pink eye is typically covered by vision or medical insurance depending on your plan and whether the visit is billed as a routine eye exam — comprehensive exam or a medical problem visit. Prescription antibiotic or antiviral drops are usually covered under pharmacy benefits when medically indicated. Typically covered: • Urgent or same-day evaluation for red eye symptoms • Prescription antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis • Medical office visit when billed as a problem-oriented encounter Often out-of-pocket: • Vision exam copay if visit is billed to vision insurance • Over-the-counter lubricating drops for viral conjunctivitis • Pharmacy copays for prescribed eye drops

Coverage varies by plan — we verify your benefits before treatment

Call before your visit and we will check your vision and medical benefits so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

How long is pink eye contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious from the time symptoms begin until the discharge stops — typically 3‑7 days. Frequent handwashing and not sharing towels or pillowcases help prevent spread.

Can I go to work or school with pink eye?

Most schools and workplaces require that you stay home until you are on antibiotics for 24 hours (bacterial) or until symptoms resolve (viral). Check with your specific institution.

Do I need antibiotics for pink eye?

Not always. Viral pink eye — the most common type — does not respond to antibiotics and usually clears up on its own. Your doctor can determine the type and recommend appropriate treatment.

Is pink eye treatment covered by insurance?

Evaluation and prescription treatment for conjunctivitis are typically covered by vision or medical insurance. Viral pink eye often requires only supportive care at home. We can determine the cause and whether your visit bills to vision or medical benefits.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye care provider with any questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

Book an Evaluation for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

See your eye doctor if symptoms are severe, vision is blurred, pain is significant, or symptoms have not improved after a few days. Newborns with eye discharge should be seen immediately. Contact lens wearers should stop lens wear and see a doctor promptly.

Our Locations

Golden Triangle Eye Center serves patients at multiple locations.

Columbus

Office hours

Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Aliceville

Office hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
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ThursdayClosed
Friday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
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