Eye Inflammation (Conjunctivitis): What Causes It and How to Treat It?

What Is Eye Inflammation?

Eye inflammation, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of your eye (sclera) and lines the inside of your eyelids. This condition causes redness, discharge, and discomfort but rarely affects your vision permanently.

The conjunctiva serves several important functions in protecting your eyes. It produces mucus that helps keep the eye surface moist and contains immune cells that help fight off infections. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it responds by producing excess discharge, becoming red, and causing various uncomfortable symptoms. Eye inflammation is also commonly called "pink eye" due to the characteristic reddish-pink appearance of the affected eye.

Conjunctivitis ranks among the most frequently diagnosed eye conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. While it can occur at any age, it is particularly common in children who spend time in close contact with others at daycare centers and schools. The condition spreads easily in these environments where children share toys, touch each other frequently, and may not practice thorough hand hygiene.

Understanding the nature of eye inflammation is important because it helps you recognize when home treatment is sufficient and when professional medical care becomes necessary. While most cases resolve on their own with proper self-care, some situations require prompt medical attention to prevent complications or address underlying conditions.

The Anatomy of the Eye Surface

To understand conjunctivitis better, it helps to know the basic structure of the eye surface. The conjunctiva is a thin, nearly invisible mucous membrane that performs crucial protective functions. It lines the inner surface of both upper and lower eyelids (palpebral conjunctiva) and folds back to cover the front surface of the eyeball up to the edge of the cornea (bulbar conjunctiva).

This membrane contains numerous blood vessels, which is why it appears red when inflamed. It also contains specialized cells that produce tears and mucus, helping to keep the eye lubricated and washing away debris. When infection or irritation occurs, these blood vessels dilate and the membrane swells, producing the characteristic symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Types of Eye Inflammation

Eye inflammation can be classified into several types based on its underlying cause. Each type has distinct characteristics and may require different approaches to treatment. Understanding the type you have can help guide appropriate care and prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type, accounting for approximately 65-90% of all infectious conjunctivitis cases. It typically occurs alongside or following a common cold, as the same viruses that cause respiratory infections can spread to the eyes. Adenoviruses are the most frequent culprits, though other viruses including herpes simplex and varicella-zoster can also cause eye inflammation.

Viral conjunctivitis usually starts in one eye and often spreads to the other within a few days. The discharge tends to be watery rather than thick, and symptoms may include a gritty or burning sensation. This type is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected secretions, or contaminated surfaces. Importantly, antibiotics do not work against viral infections—the body's immune system must clear the virus naturally.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs when bacteria infect the conjunctiva. Common culprits include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. This type often produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly upon waking in the morning.

Like viral conjunctivitis, bacterial infection is highly contagious. However, it may respond to antibiotic eye drops or ointment, which can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the period of contagiousness. Most cases still resolve on their own within 5-7 days even without antibiotics, though treatment may be recommended in certain situations.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis results from the body's immune response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. Unlike infectious forms, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and typically affects both eyes simultaneously. Symptoms often include intense itching along with redness and watering.

This type frequently occurs seasonally in people with hay fever but can also be perennial (year-round) in those sensitive to indoor allergens. Treatment focuses on avoiding triggers and may include antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications.

Irritant Conjunctivitis

Exposure to irritants such as chlorine in swimming pools, smoke, air pollution, or chemicals can cause non-infectious conjunctivitis. Foreign objects in the eye, including dust, eyelashes, or contact lenses, can also trigger inflammation. Additionally, eye injuries can lead to conjunctivitis as the eye responds to trauma.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Inflammation?

The hallmark symptoms of eye inflammation include redness of the eye white, discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, and a gritty or uncomfortable sensation. Symptoms typically start in one eye before spreading to the other.

Eye inflammation produces a characteristic set of symptoms that can range from mild irritation to significant discomfort. While the specific symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, most people with conjunctivitis experience some combination of the following:

Common Symptoms

• Red, irritated eyes: The most visible sign is redness of the eye white (sclera) as blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate due to inflammation. The eye may appear pink to bright red.
• Eye discharge: The eye produces excess secretions that may be watery, mucoid, or purulent (containing pus). Yellow-green thick discharge typically indicates bacterial infection, while clear watery discharge often suggests viral or allergic causes.
• Sticky eyelids: Discharge can dry and crust overnight, causing the eyelids to stick together when you wake up. This is particularly common with bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Gritty sensation: Many people describe feeling as if sand or a foreign object is in their eye. This uncomfortable sensation results from inflammation of the conjunctival surface.
• Swollen eyelids: The eyelids may become puffy and swollen, sometimes making it difficult to open the eye fully.
• Tearing: Excessive tear production is the eye's natural response to irritation and helps wash away infectious agents or allergens.
• Itching: While itching can occur with any type of conjunctivitis, intense itching is particularly characteristic of allergic conjunctivitis.

Symptom Progression

Eye inflammation often follows a predictable pattern. Initially, you may notice your eyes becoming red and watery for a few days before discharge begins to appear. The condition commonly starts in one eye before spreading to the other within a day or two, though some people experience symptoms in both eyes simultaneously from the start.

With viral conjunctivitis, symptoms typically peak around day 3-5 and then gradually improve over the following 1-2 weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis may show improvement within 2-5 days of starting antibiotic treatment, though many cases also improve without medication.

Symptoms by Type

Viral Conjunctivitis Characteristics

Viral eye inflammation often accompanies cold symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, or cough. The discharge tends to be watery and clear. You may notice enlarged lymph nodes in front of the ears (preauricular lymphadenopathy), which is a distinguishing feature of viral infection. Both eyes are usually affected, though symptoms may start in one eye before spreading.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis Characteristics

Bacterial infection typically produces thicker, more opaque discharge that is yellow or yellow-green in color. The eyelids are more likely to become stuck together with dried discharge. While both eyes may be affected, bacterial conjunctivitis sometimes remains confined to one eye.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Characteristics

Allergic reactions cause prominent itching—often the primary complaint. Both eyes are affected equally and simultaneously. You may also experience other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or skin reactions. Symptoms often correlate with exposure to specific allergens or seasons.

Symptoms in Newborns

Newborn babies may have slightly sticky eyes in the first weeks of life due to narrow tear ducts—this is normal and not usually a sign of infection. The discharge is typically clear or slightly milky rather than yellow, and the eyes are not red.

When Should I See a Doctor for Eye Inflammation?

Most eye inflammation resolves within 5 days with home care. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond 5 days, include severe pain or vision changes, or occur in newborns. Go to emergency care if you have sudden vision loss combined with eye pain.

While most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and self-limiting, certain symptoms and situations warrant professional medical evaluation. Knowing when to seek care helps ensure appropriate treatment and prevents potential complications.

See a Doctor Promptly If You Have:

• Severe inflammation with heavy discharge production
• Symptoms that do not improve within 5 days
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Severe symptoms affecting only one eye
• Eye redness accompanied by blisters or rash on the face
• Eye pain along with redness and gritty sensation
• Decreased or blurry vision along with redness

These symptoms may indicate more serious conditions that require specific treatment, such as herpes infection, severe bacterial infection, or inflammation affecting deeper structures of the eye.

Consulting Healthcare Services

If you are unsure whether you need to see a doctor, you can call healthcare advice lines for guidance. Trained healthcare professionals can help assess your symptoms over the phone and advise whether you need to be seen urgently, can wait for a regular appointment, or can safely continue home treatment.

When you do see a healthcare provider, they will typically examine your eyes, ask about your symptoms and their duration, and may take a sample of eye discharge if bacterial infection is suspected. In most cases, a diagnosis can be made based on the clinical appearance and your symptom history.

How Can I Treat Eye Inflammation at Home?

Most eye inflammation can be treated at home by keeping the eyes clean with lukewarm water, wiping from the outer corner toward the inner corner. The infection typically resolves within 5 days with proper hygiene. Do not share towels, wash hands frequently, and change pillowcases regularly.

Effective home treatment of conjunctivitis centers on keeping the eyes clean and preventing the spread of infection. With proper care, most cases resolve without the need for prescription medications. Here is a comprehensive guide to self-care for eye inflammation.

How to Clean Infected Eyes

Proper eye cleaning is the cornerstone of conjunctivitis treatment. Following the correct technique helps remove discharge, reduces bacterial load, and promotes healing.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly: Before touching your eyes or face, clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This prevents introducing additional bacteria and reduces spread to others.
2. Prepare your materials: Moisten a clean cotton pad, cotton ball, or soft tissue with lukewarm water. Use a fresh pad for each eye to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Clean from outer to inner corner: Gently wipe from the outer corner of the eye (near the temple) toward the inner corner (near the nose). Bacteria and discharge tend to accumulate in the inner corner where tears drain, so this direction prevents pushing debris into the eye.
4. Dispose of used materials properly: Throw away used cotton pads or tissues immediately in a closed bin. Never reuse materials used for eye cleaning.
5. Wash hands again: After cleaning your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent spreading the infection.

Dealing with Stuck Eyelids

If your eyelids are stuck together with dried discharge, forcing them open can be uncomfortable and may damage delicate tissues. Instead:

• Soak a clean cotton pad or compress in lukewarm water
• Place it gently over the closed eye for 1-2 minutes
• The warmth and moisture will soften and loosen the dried discharge
• Gently wipe away the softened material
• Repeat if necessary until the eye opens comfortably

Additional Self-Care Measures

Cool Compresses

Cool, damp compresses can help relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. Apply a clean, cool cloth to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes several times daily. Use a separate cloth for each eye if both are affected.

Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter artificial tear drops can help soothe irritation and wash away discharge. Avoid products that claim to "get the red out" as these vasoconstrictors can actually worsen symptoms with prolonged use.

Avoid Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until the infection has completely resolved. Discard disposable lenses worn before or during the infection. For extended-wear lenses, consult your eye care provider about proper disinfection before resuming use.

Rest Your Eyes

Reduce screen time and activities that strain your eyes. Adequate rest supports your immune system in fighting off infection.

How Can I Prevent Spreading Eye Inflammation?

Prevent spreading conjunctivitis through frequent handwashing, using personal towels, avoiding touching your eyes, and regularly changing pillowcases. You can socialize with others if you are careful not to spread the infection through direct contact.

Eye infections spread easily through direct and indirect contact. Taking preventive measures protects both yourself from reinfection and others from catching the infection. Here are comprehensive strategies for preventing transmission.

Hand Hygiene

Thorough handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious conjunctivitis. Wash your hands:

• Before and after touching your face or eyes
• After cleaning discharge from your eyes
• After handling potentially contaminated items (tissues, towels)
• Before and after applying eye medications
• Frequently throughout the day, especially during cold season

Use soap and water, rubbing all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol provide a good alternative.

Personal Items and Hygiene

• Use personal towels: Do not share towels, washcloths, or face towels with others. Each family member should have their own designated towel, and change towels frequently during an active infection.
• Change pillowcases regularly: Eye secretions can contaminate bedding. Change your pillowcase daily during active infection to prevent reinfection.
• Do not share eye cosmetics: Never share mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, or makeup brushes. Discard eye makeup used during or immediately before the infection.
• Clean eyeglasses: Regularly disinfect eyeglass frames and lenses, especially the parts that contact your face.

Environmental Measures

• Clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, phones) regularly
• Use disposable tissues for wiping eyes and dispose of them immediately
• Avoid sharing phones, tablets, or other devices that contact the face
• In shared spaces, use paper towels rather than cloth towels

Social Interactions

You do not need to isolate yourself completely when you have conjunctivitis, but you should take precautions:

• Inform close contacts that you have an eye infection
• Avoid close face-to-face contact such as hugging or kissing
• Do not share items that touch your face
• Maintain good hand hygiene before and after social interactions

Can Children with Eye Inflammation Go to School or Daycare?

Children with mild symptoms (slightly red eyes in the morning that clear during the day) can attend school if they feel well otherwise. Those with heavy discharge requiring frequent cleaning should stay home until the acute infection subsides or after 2 days of antibiotic treatment.

Conjunctivitis spreads most easily among young children in daycare and preschool settings due to their close physical contact during play and sometimes inconsistent hand hygiene. Making appropriate decisions about school attendance helps protect other children while not unnecessarily keeping your child home.

When to Keep Children Home

Children should stay home from daycare or school when they have:

• Heavy discharge that requires cleaning multiple times throughout the day
• Significant redness, swelling, or discomfort
• Fever or other signs of illness
• Difficulty keeping their hands away from their eyes

The highly contagious period coincides with the presence of abundant discharge. Once the heavy discharge subsides and the eye appears less inflamed, children are less likely to spread the infection.

When Children Can Return

Children can typically return to their childcare setting when:

• The acute inflammation has resolved and discharge is minimal
• They have completed at least 2 days of antibiotic treatment (if prescribed)
• They feel well enough to participate in normal activities
• They can maintain reasonable hand hygiene

When Children Can Attend Despite Symptoms

Children do not necessarily need to stay home if they have:

• Mildly red or watery eyes that clear during the day
• Slight morning discharge that resolves with one cleaning
• Symptoms consistent with allergic rather than infectious conjunctivitis

If your child has allergies that cause eye symptoms, they do not need to stay home, as allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

School-Age Children

Older children and teenagers have less close physical contact than younger children, reducing transmission risk. However, children with active infections characterized by heavy discharge or significant symptoms may need to stay home until the acute phase passes. Good hand hygiene and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes are particularly important for school-age children with conjunctivitis.

Communicating with Schools

If your child has conjunctivitis:

• Inform the school or daycare so they can monitor for outbreaks
• Discuss ensuring your child has access to paper towels and hand washing facilities
• Ask that your child not share personal items with classmates
• Follow any specific policies the school has regarding contagious eye infections

What Medical Treatments Are Available for Eye Inflammation?

Most conjunctivitis does not require prescription medication—proper eye cleaning is the primary treatment. Antibiotic drops or ointment may be prescribed for confirmed bacterial infections that do not improve with cleaning alone. After 2 days of antibiotic treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis is typically no longer contagious.

While most cases of eye inflammation resolve with home care, healthcare providers can offer additional treatments when needed. Understanding available treatments helps set appropriate expectations and ensures proper use of prescribed medications.

Treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis

There is no specific antiviral treatment for most viral conjunctivitis. The infection must run its course, typically resolving within 1-2 weeks. Treatment focuses on:

• Supportive care (cool compresses, artificial tears)
• Proper eye hygiene
• Managing symptoms until the body clears the virus

However, if conjunctivitis is caused by herpes simplex virus—indicated by blisters on or around the eye or severe symptoms—specific antiviral medications are necessary. This requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Treatment for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment if they determine your conjunctivitis is bacterial in origin and is not improving with cleaning alone. Common prescribed medications include:

• Fusidic acid eye drops or ointment
• Chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment
• Fluoroquinolone eye drops (for more severe cases)

How to Use Eye Medications

1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling eye medication
2. Clean the eye of any discharge before applying medication
3. Tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket
4. Apply the drops or ointment into the pocket without touching the dropper tip to your eye or eyelashes
5. Close your eyes gently for 1-2 minutes. For drops, press lightly on the inner corner of your eye to prevent drainage
6. Wash hands again after application

Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is managed primarily by avoiding triggers when possible. Medical treatments include:

• Antihistamine eye drops: Provide rapid relief from itching and redness
• Mast cell stabilizer drops: Help prevent allergic reactions when used regularly
• Oral antihistamines: May help if you have other allergy symptoms as well
• Cold compresses: Soothe itching and reduce swelling
• Artificial tears: Help wash away allergens and soothe irritated eyes

When Treatment Does Not Help

If your symptoms do not improve within 5 days of starting treatment, or if they worsen at any point, contact your healthcare provider. You may need:

• Reevaluation to confirm the diagnosis
• A different antibiotic if bacteria are resistant
• Investigation for other conditions that may mimic conjunctivitis
• Referral to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for complex cases

Medical Classification Codes