Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, happens when the thin clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelid becomes inflamed or irritated. If you are wondering what causes pink eye, the most common causes include viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants such as smoke, chlorine, or chemicals.
Pink eye can affect adults and children. Some types spread easily, especially in schools, daycares, workplaces, and households. Other types are not contagious, such as allergy-related pink eye.
If you or your child has eye redness, discharge, swelling, or discomfort, Infiniti Medical’s walk-in medical clinic in NW Calgary can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps. Treatment depends on the cause, so an exam can help determine whether supportive care, allergy treatment, prescription eye drops, or another approach may be needed.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
Common symptoms may include:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Watery eyes
- Itching or burning
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Swollen eyelids
- Crust around the eyelashes
- Yellow, green, or clear discharge
- Sensitivity to light in some cases
Pink eye can look similar to other eye problems, so it is important to get medical advice if symptoms are severe, unusual, or not improving.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Pink eye can have several causes. Knowing the likely cause helps guide treatment and helps reduce the chance of spreading contagious forms.
Viral Pink Eye
Viral pink eye is one of the most common types. It often happens with or after a cold, sore throat, or other upper respiratory infection.
Viral pink eye may cause:
- Watery discharge
- Redness
- Gritty or burning feeling
- Symptoms that start in one eye and may spread to the other
- Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose or cough
Antibiotic eye drops usually do not help viral pink eye because antibiotics do not treat viruses. Supportive care may be recommended while the infection runs its course.
Bacterial Pink Eye
Bacterial pink eye is caused by bacteria and can also spread from person to person. It may be more common in children, although adults can get it too.
Bacterial pink eye may cause:
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Eyelids stuck together after sleep
- Redness
- Eye irritation or discomfort
- Symptoms in one or both eyes
A clinician may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment when bacterial pink eye is suspected and treatment is appropriate.
Allergic Pink Eye
Allergic pink eye happens when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, dust, mould, pet dander, or grass.
Allergic pink eye may cause:
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Redness in both eyes
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Seasonal or recurring symptoms
Allergic pink eye is not contagious. Treatment may include avoiding triggers, artificial tears, or allergy medication when suitable.
Irritant-Related Pink Eye
Pink eye can also happen after exposure to irritants.
Possible irritants include:
- Smoke
- Chlorine from pools
- Air pollution
- Dust
- Chemical fumes
- Certain eye drops or cosmetic products
- Contact lens irritation
If a chemical exposure affects the eye, rinse the eye immediately with clean water and seek urgent medical advice.
What Causes Pink Eye in Children?
Children often get pink eye because they are in close contact with others and may touch their eyes frequently. Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread through hands, shared objects, towels, tissues, or close contact.
Children may also develop pink eye from allergies, especially if they have hay fever, asthma, or eczema.
Parents should consider medical assessment if a child has:
- Thick discharge
- Eye pain
- Swelling around the eye
- Fever
- Symptoms that are not improving
- Trouble opening the eye
- Changes in vision
- Pink eye in a baby or very young child
Infiniti Medical offers pediatric care services and walk-in clinic care for children and families in Calgary.
What Causes Pink Eye in Adults?
Adults can get pink eye from viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, irritants, or contact lens-related irritation. Workplace exposure, shared spaces, seasonal allergies, and contact lens use may increase the chance of symptoms.
Adults should seek medical care sooner if they:
- Wear contact lenses
- Have eye pain
- Have blurred vision or vision changes
- Have severe redness
- Have light sensitivity
- Have symptoms after injury or chemical exposure
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have symptoms that are worsening or not improving
Contact lens wearers should stop wearing lenses and speak with a healthcare provider if pink eye symptoms develop.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye can be contagious. Allergic and irritant-related pink eye are not contagious.
To reduce spread:
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes
- Do not share towels, pillows, makeup, or eye drops
- Throw away tissues after use
- Clean glasses and frequently touched surfaces
- Follow school, daycare, or workplace guidance
A clinician can help advise when it may be appropriate to return to school, daycare, or work based on symptoms and the likely cause.
When Should You Visit a Walk-In Clinic for Pink Eye?
You may want to visit a walk-in medical clinic if pink eye symptoms are uncomfortable, spreading, or not improving.
Seek medical assessment if you or your child has:
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
- Light sensitivity
- Thick discharge
- Symptoms in a baby
- Swelling around the eye
- Contact lens use
- Symptoms after injury or chemical exposure
- Symptoms that worsen after a few days
- Frequent or recurring pink eye
Infiniti Medical’s walk-in clinic can assess pink eye symptoms, help identify the likely cause, and recommend appropriate treatment or referral when needed.
How Infiniti Medical Can Help With Pink Eye
Infiniti Medical provides walk-in clinic services in NW Calgary for common health concerns, including eye redness, irritation, discharge, and possible infections.
A healthcare provider may:
- Examine the eye
- Review symptoms and exposure history
- Check for signs of viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant-related conjunctivitis
- Recommend supportive care when appropriate
- Prescribe medication if clinically needed
- Advise on hygiene and reducing spread
- Refer to an eye specialist if symptoms suggest a more serious eye condition
Because pink eye has different causes, the right treatment depends on the assessment. The clinic can help determine whether symptoms can be managed with supportive care, allergy treatment, prescription drops, or further evaluation.
FAQ
What causes pink eye most often?
Pink eye is most often caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria, allergies, irritants, contact lens problems, or chemical exposure.
Is pink eye more common in children?
Pink eye is common in children because they are often in close contact at school or daycare and may touch their eyes frequently. Adults can also get pink eye.
Does pink eye always need antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics do not help viral or allergic pink eye. Antibiotic drops may be used for some bacterial cases when a clinician decides they are appropriate.
How do I know if pink eye is bacterial or viral?
Bacterial pink eye often causes thicker yellow or green discharge, while viral pink eye often causes watery discharge and may happen with a cold. Symptoms can overlap, so an exam may be needed.
Can I go to a walk-in clinic for pink eye?
Yes. Infiniti Medical’s walk-in medical clinic can assess pink eye symptoms in adults and children and recommend appropriate care.
When is pink eye urgent?
Seek urgent care if there is eye pain, vision change, severe swelling, light sensitivity, chemical exposure, injury, or symptoms in a baby.