Red, Itchy Eyes? It Could Be Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Aug 4

2 min read

Waking up with red, sticky or itchy eyes is never fun. One of the most common causes is conjunctivitis, often called "pink eye". It's usually not serious, but some types spread easily, so it's worth knowing what to look out for.

What is conjunctivitis?

It's inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer that covers the white of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids. When it's inflamed, the white of the eye turns pink or red, which is where the nickname comes from.

What causes it?

Viruses: the most common cause, often alongside a cold, and highly contagious.
Bacteria: less common, but also contagious.
Allergies: triggered by pollen, dust mites or pet dander.
Irritants: smoke, chemicals, or eye make-up that hasn't been applied properly.

Symptoms to watch for

Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
Watery discharge, or thick yellow or green discharge
A gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye
More tears than usual, itching, or sensitivity to light

How it's treated

Treatment depends on the cause:

Viral: usually gets better on its own. Cold compresses and artificial tears help with the discomfort.
Bacterial: usually needs antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by a doctor.
Allergic: avoid the trigger and use antihistamine eye drops.