Early signs of pink eye include irritation, redness, and watery eyes.
Viruses, bacteria, or allergies can cause pink eye.
It can start in one eye and then spread to the other.
mixetto / Getty Images
mixetto / Getty Images
What Are the First Signs of Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis Self-Care
You may need to see a healthcare provider for pink eye.
However, if you visit a healthcare provider for pink eye, they may prescribe you medication.
The bang out of medication will depend on the cause of your pink eye.
Most commonly, a mucous discharge is seen in allergic conjunctivitis and a clear discharge in a viral infection.
Both forms respond nicely to a course of mild steroids.
However, many conditions can cause similar symptoms.
When you’re unsure, contact a healthcare provider.
However, you may need prescription medication for more serious forms of pink eye.
The medication could reduce the duration of the infection or your risk of spreading pink eye to others.
Bacteria, a virus, or allergens can cause it.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious to others, but allergic pink eye is not.
Symptoms include red, watery, irritated eyes with discharge.
Healthcare providers will examine the eye and and take a patient history to diagnose pink eye.
National Eye Institute.At a glance: pink eye.
November 15, 2023.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Conjunctivitis: what is pink eye?April 25, 2023.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pink eye.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis: Diagnosis.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Quick home remedies for pink eye.
April 27, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis: treatment.
January 4, 2019.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Is it pink eye or something else?July 26, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.
