Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Treatment and When to See a Doctor

Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, makes the white of the eye look pink or red. Your eye may also be itchy, watery or sore. It often clears on its own within a few days, and most people recover in about 2 to 5 days.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

A pink or red eye
Itchy, watery, sore or gritty eyes
Puffy eyes
Eyelids that stick together, especially when you wake up
Sensitivity to light

What are the main types?

Viral: affects one or both eyes, usually with clear discharge and burning or itchy eyes.
Bacterial: more common in children, with yellow or green sticky discharge.
Allergic: usually affects both eyes, with clear discharge and hay fever symptoms. It is not contagious.
Irritant: caused by things like dust or chemicals.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are. They spread through droplets from the eyes, nose, mouth or throat, and through items such as towels, face washers and tissues. Swimming pools can also spread them. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

How is conjunctivitis treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotic drops or ointments are only for bacterial infections, and they do not help viral, allergic or irritant conjunctivitis. If you are prescribed drops, follow the directions, including how long to use them. Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamine eye drops or tablets, and sometimes hay fever nasal sprays. A doctor, pharmacist or optometrist can advise you.

What can I do at home?

Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Clean your eyes gently with a cotton wool pad and warm tap water.
Use a new pad for each eye, and wipe from the nose side outward.
Throw out eye makeup and eyelash extensions used during the infection.
Do not share towels or face washers.

Can I wear contact lenses?

If you have an infection, discard disposable lenses and wear glasses until at least a week after your symptoms clear. For other lens types, ask your optometrist.

Should children stay home?

Children should stay home until the eye discharge stops, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

When should I see someone?

See a doctor, pharmacist or optometrist if your eyes do not improve after 1 to 2 days.

When is it urgent?

See a doctor promptly or go to hospital for a sudden change in vision, eye pain, light hurting your eyes, or a large amount of discharge or pus. Call triple zero (000) in an emergency.

If your eyes feel gritty without an infection, read our guide to dry eyes.

Source: Healthdirect: Conjunctivitis.

General education does not replace individual medical advice. Updated November 2026.

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