Pink Eye Symptoms & When to Come In Redness, irritation, burning, or gritty sensation Watery or mucus discharge; lids stuck together on waking Light sensitivity, mild swelling, or itching Symptoms in one eye that may spread to the other Contact lens discomfort or sudden drop in clarity Seek urgent care if you have moderate pain, significant light sensitivity, changes in vision, or a history of eye surgery or injury. What Causes Pink Eye? Conjunctivitis can be bacterial, viral (often associated with colds), or allergic. Contact lens over-wear and environmental irritants can also inflame the conjunctiva. Because treatments differ, a professional exam is the quickest path to relief. Examining the eye surface for signs of conjunctivitis How We Diagnose History & Symptoms: Onset, exposure, allergies, and lens habits Slit-Lamp Exam: Close inspection of the conjunctiva, cornea, and lids Targeted Testing: Tear film, corneal staining, and lid evaluation Differential: Distinguish bacterial vs. viral vs. allergic vs. irritant causes Treatment Options Bacterial: Prescription antibiotic drops/ointment to clear infection Viral: Cooling lubricants, hygiene, and symptom relief while it runs its course Allergic: Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer drops and trigger avoidance Contact Lens-Related: Temporary lens holiday, new hygiene plan, and refit if needed We review a clear home plan, including drop schedules and when to resume contact lenses. Home Care, Contagion & Prevention Wash hands frequently; avoid touching or rubbing eyes Do not share towels, cosmetics, or contact lens cases Discard contaminated lenses and cases if advised Follow the drop schedule exactly as prescribed Return promptly if redness, pain, or vision changes worsen Insurance & Same-Day Care Most medical insurance plans cover pink eye evaluations. Visit our Insurance & Vision Plans page and bring your card—our team will help you use your benefits. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Get Relief Fast If your eyes are red, irritated, or draining, we can help today. Our doctors will identify the cause and start the right treatment right away. Request Appointment Related Services Red Eye Evaluation & Treatment Eye Infection Treatment Flashes & Floaters Evaluation Foreign Body Removal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)For Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment Is pink eye contagious? Viral and many bacterial forms can spread easily. Good hand hygiene and avoiding shared items reduces risk. Do I always need antibiotic drops? Not necessarily—viral and allergic causes don’t improve with antibiotics. We’ll tailor treatment to the cause. Can I wear my contacts? Pause contact lens wear until the eye is cleared and we confirm it’s safe to resume. How quickly will I feel better? Many bacterial cases improve within 24–48 hours of starting antibiotics; viral/allergic timelines vary. When should I seek urgent care? Significant pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or symptoms after an eye injury require prompt evaluation.