Eye Inflammation (Conjunctivitis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
📊 Quick Facts About Eye Inflammation
💡 Key Takeaways About Eye Inflammation
- Most cases heal on their own: Proper eye cleaning usually resolves symptoms within 5 days without medication
- Highly contagious: Spreads easily through direct contact, shared items, and hand-to-eye transmission
- Clean eyes correctly: Wipe from the outer corner toward the inner corner (toward the nose) using fresh tissue each time
- Antibiotics only for bacterial cases: They don't work against viral infections, which are more common
- Seek care urgently for: Severe pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, symptoms in newborns, or if the eye is red with facial blisters
- Children with heavy discharge: Should stay home from daycare/school until the worst symptoms improve
What Is Eye Inflammation (Conjunctivitis)?
Eye inflammation, also called conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It causes the eye to become red, irritated, and often produces discharge. The condition is very common and usually heals within five days without medical treatment.
The conjunctiva is a delicate, transparent mucous membrane that plays an important protective role for the eye. When this membrane becomes inflamed, the small blood vessels within it dilate, causing the characteristic redness that gives conjunctivitis its common name "pink eye." The inflammation can affect one or both eyes and is one of the most frequently encountered eye conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people annually across all age groups.
Understanding what conjunctivitis is helps in recognizing the condition and knowing when simple home care will suffice versus when medical attention is needed. The conjunctiva normally produces mucus and tears that help lubricate the eye and protect it from pathogens. When inflamed, this protective barrier is temporarily compromised, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms that characterize the condition. The inflammation itself is actually part of the body's defense mechanism against the underlying cause, whether that be an infection, allergen, or irritant.
The term "conjunctivitis" is often used interchangeably with "eye inflammation" and "pink eye" in everyday language. While technically conjunctivitis refers specifically to inflammation of the conjunctiva, red and irritated eyes can also result from other conditions, making accurate identification important for appropriate treatment.
How Viruses and Bacteria Cause Eye Inflammation
The most common cause of eye inflammation is infection—when viruses or bacteria successfully enter the eye and begin multiplying. These infectious agents, known as pathogens, trigger the body's immune response, which manifests as inflammation. Viral infections are particularly common and are frequently associated with the common cold, which explains why many people develop pink eye when they have upper respiratory symptoms.
When you have a cold, the same viruses that affect your nose and throat can easily spread to your eyes, especially if you rub your nose and then touch your eyes. The adenovirus family, responsible for many common colds, is the most frequent culprit behind viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial infections, while less common, tend to produce more significant discharge and may benefit from antibiotic treatment, though many mild bacterial cases also resolve on their own.
Other Causes: Allergies, Foreign Objects, and Injuries
Eye inflammation isn't always caused by infection. Several non-infectious causes can produce similar symptoms, though these forms are not contagious. Understanding the different causes helps in determining appropriate treatment approaches and when medical evaluation may be necessary.
Allergic reactions are a very common cause of eye inflammation, particularly during seasons when pollen counts are high. When allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander contact the eyes, they can trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals, leading to itchy, watery, red eyes. Unlike infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes simultaneously and is accompanied by intense itching.
Foreign objects such as dust particles, sand, eyelashes, or even small insects can irritate the conjunctiva and cause inflammation. This type of irritation usually affects only one eye and often resolves quickly once the foreign material is removed through natural tearing or gentle rinsing.
Eye injuries, including scratches to the surface of the eye, chemical exposure, or physical trauma, can also cause conjunctival inflammation as part of the healing process. These situations often require medical evaluation to ensure no serious damage has occurred to the eye structures.
It's important to note that some degree of redness, swelling, and discomfort is normal after any insect sting or exposure to irritants, even without a true allergy. The conjunctiva is very sensitive, and minor irritation can cause noticeable symptoms. A true allergic reaction or infection involves a more significant and prolonged immune response, with symptoms that persist or worsen over time rather than quickly improving.
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Inflammation?
Common symptoms of eye inflammation include red, irritated eyes; sticky discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together; swelling of the eye or eyelid; a gritty or sandy feeling; and watery, runny eyes. Symptoms often appear in one eye first before spreading to the other. Most people have red and watery eyes for a few days before discharge begins to form.
Recognizing the symptoms of eye inflammation helps in determining when home care is appropriate and when medical attention may be needed. While the symptoms can vary somewhat depending on the underlying cause, several characteristic signs are commonly present across different types of conjunctivitis.
The hallmark symptom that gives conjunctivitis its "pink eye" name is the noticeable redness of the normally white part of the eye. This occurs because the small blood vessels in the inflamed conjunctiva become dilated and more visible. The redness may be mild, giving the eye a slightly pink appearance, or more pronounced, making the eye appear quite bloodshot.
Eye discharge is another defining symptom, though its character varies. Bacterial infections typically produce thick, yellowish or yellowish-green discharge called pus (or "matter"). This discharge tends to accumulate during sleep, often causing the eyelids to stick together upon waking—a very common complaint, especially in children. Viral infections usually produce a thinner, more watery discharge that makes the eyes tear excessively throughout the day.
Many people describe a sensation as if something is in the eye—a gritty, sandy, or scratchy feeling that can be quite uncomfortable. This sensation results from the inflammation affecting the normally smooth surface of the conjunctiva. Swelling of the eyelids and the area around the eyes is also common, ranging from mild puffiness to more noticeable swelling that may partially affect vision.
Symptoms in Newborns
Newborn babies require special consideration when it comes to eye symptoms. It's normal for newborns to have some clear, slightly sticky discharge (called secretion) in their eyes without having conjunctivitis. This occurs because newborns have narrower tear ducts than older children and adults. In these cases, the eyes are not red, and the discharge is more transparent than the yellow or green pus seen in infections.
However, if a newborn develops red or swollen eyes, or has significant amounts of pus, this may indicate an infection acquired during birth, such as chlamydia. Newborns with these symptoms require immediate medical evaluation, as certain infections can cause serious complications if not promptly treated.
| Type | Discharge | Other Key Features | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viral | Watery, clear or slightly cloudy | Often starts in one eye, associated with cold symptoms | 7-14 days |
| Bacterial | Thick, yellow or yellow-green pus | Eyelids stuck together in morning, may need antibiotics | 5-7 days (faster with treatment) |
| Allergic | Watery, clear | Intense itching, both eyes affected, seasonal pattern | As long as allergen exposure continues |
When Should You See a Doctor for Eye Inflammation?
Most eye inflammation heals on its own within five days with proper eye cleaning. Seek medical care immediately if you have severe inflammation with heavy discharge, symptoms lasting more than five days, light sensitivity, severe symptoms in only one eye, red eyes with facial blisters, eye pain with grittiness, or vision changes. Newborns with eye symptoms need immediate evaluation.
While most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and self-limiting, certain situations warrant prompt medical evaluation. Knowing when to seek care helps ensure appropriate treatment and prevents potential complications from more serious conditions that can mimic simple conjunctivitis.
The good news is that uncomplicated eye inflammation typically resolves within five days with proper home care, primarily thorough and regular eye cleaning. During this time, symptoms gradually improve, with discharge decreasing and redness fading. If you're seeing steady improvement, continued home care is usually appropriate.
Contact a Healthcare Provider If:
- Your eye or eyes have very severe inflammation with heavy discharge that isn't improving with cleaning
- The inflammation doesn't improve within five days of regular eye cleaning
- You are unusually sensitive to light (photophobia)
- You have severe symptoms in only one eye
- The eye becomes red while blisters appear on your face (possible herpes infection)
- The eye is red and painful with a gritty sensation
- The eye is red and your vision is affected
- The eye is red with reduced vision and significant pain
- A baby under one month old has discharge, swelling, redness, or blisters around the eyes
- You have sudden vision loss
- You have a chemical splash or serious injury to the eye
If symptoms occur during nighttime hours and aren't severe, you can typically wait until the next morning to contact healthcare services. However, the emergency situations listed above warrant immediate attention regardless of the time.
How Do You Clean Your Eyes with Eye Inflammation?
To clean eyes with conjunctivitis: wash hands thoroughly first, moisten a soft tissue or cotton ball with lukewarm water, gently wipe from the outer corner of the eye toward the inner corner (toward the nose), use a fresh tissue for each wipe, and discard used materials immediately. If eyelids are stuck together, apply a warm compress for 1-2 minutes first to loosen crusted discharge.
Proper eye cleaning is the cornerstone of managing eye inflammation at home. Most cases of conjunctivitis, whether caused by viruses or bacteria, improve within five days when the eyelids and eyelashes are kept clean. The discharge produced during infection—typically yellow or yellowish-green and thick—needs to be removed regularly to promote healing and comfort.
The technique for cleaning your eyes matters significantly. Bacteria and discharge tend to accumulate in the inner corner of the eye near the nose, where the tear duct is located. By wiping from the outer corner toward the inner corner, you avoid pushing infectious material and debris back into the eye. This simple directional technique helps clear the tear duct area and prevents spreading infection deeper into the eye.
Step-by-Step Eye Cleaning Instructions
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or face
- Moisten a soft tissue, cotton ball, or clean compress with lukewarm (not hot) water
- Gently wipe from the outer corner of the eye toward the inner corner (toward the nose)
- Use a fresh tissue or cotton ball for each wipe—never reuse
- Immediately discard used materials in a trash bin to reduce infection risk
- Wash your hands again after cleaning your eyes
When Eyelids Are Stuck Together
It's very common, especially in the morning, for eyelids to be stuck together with dried discharge. Trying to force them open can be painful and may irritate the eye further. Instead:
- Moisten a compress or cotton ball with lukewarm water
- Place it on the closed eye for one to two minutes
- The warmth and moisture will soften and loosen the crusted material
- Gently wipe away the softened discharge using the technique described above
Cleaning Eyes in Newborns
For newborns with clear, transparent discharge (not red or swollen eyes), you can gently wipe away the material using soft tissue. However, if the baby has significant amounts of pus, red eyes, or swollen eyelids, do not attempt home treatment—contact healthcare services immediately, as newborns with eye infections require prompt medical evaluation.
Besides regular cleaning, artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) available without prescription can help relieve the gritty, uncomfortable sensation. Cool compresses may help reduce itching, particularly with allergic conjunctivitis. If you wear contact lenses, remove them at the first sign of symptoms and don't resume wearing them until the infection has completely cleared. Discard any lenses that were worn during the infection.
How Can You Prevent Spreading Eye Inflammation?
Prevent spreading eye inflammation by washing hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before touching your face; avoiding rubbing your eyes; using separate towels for each family member; changing pillowcases often; not sharing eye makeup or personal items; and keeping children with heavy discharge home from school or daycare until symptoms improve.
Eye infections spread very easily, particularly in environments where people are in close contact. Understanding how the infection spreads helps in implementing effective preventive measures to protect family members, classmates, and colleagues.
The primary transmission route for infectious conjunctivitis is direct contact. When an infected person touches their eye and then touches a surface, another person, or shakes hands, the virus or bacteria can be transferred. The recipient then becomes infected when they touch their own eyes. This explains why thorough handwashing is the single most important preventive measure.
Hand Hygiene
Washing hands frequently and properly is crucial for preventing the spread of eye infections. This is especially important when many people around you have cold symptoms, as the same viruses that cause colds often cause viral conjunctivitis. Key times to wash hands include:
- Before and after touching your face or eyes
- After caring for someone with eye inflammation
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching commonly shared surfaces
Personal Items and Household Measures
Several practical measures can significantly reduce the risk of spreading infection within a household:
- Change pillowcases frequently—daily during active infection if possible
- Use a separate towel for each family member, and change towels often
- Arrange for children in daycare or school to have their own towel or use paper towels
- Use paper towels for single use at workplaces or schools
- Never share eye makeup—don't borrow or lend mascara, eyeliner, or other eye products
- Discard and replace any eye makeup used during an infection
You can still interact with others even when you have eye inflammation, provided you're careful not to spread the infection. Good hygiene practices allow you to minimize transmission risk while going about your daily activities, though staying home may be advisable when symptoms are severe.
Can Children Go to School or Daycare with Eye Inflammation?
Children with significant discharge and very red eyes should stay home from daycare or school. Children with mild symptoms (slightly red eyes, minimal discharge that clears during the day) can attend if they feel well and practice good hygiene. After two days of antibiotic treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, children are typically no longer contagious and can return if feeling well.
The question of whether children can attend school or daycare with eye inflammation is common among parents. The infection spreads most easily among young children who play in close physical contact, sharing toys and touching each other frequently. However, the answer depends on the severity of symptoms and the child's ability to practice good hygiene.
When Children Should Stay Home
A child with significant eye inflammation—heavy discharge production that requires frequent cleaning throughout the day—should stay home from daycare or school. This applies even if the child otherwise feels well. There are several reasons for this:
- The child's eyes need to be washed multiple times daily, which isn't practical in a school setting
- The infection is more contagious when there's significant discharge
- Young children are likely to rub their eyes and then touch toys or other children
The child can return to their group once the severe inflammation has subsided and the eye is no longer producing large amounts of discharge. For children who have been prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis, they can typically return after two days of treatment, provided they feel well otherwise.
When Children Can Attend
Children don't necessarily need to stay home for mild symptoms. If a child has:
- Slightly red eyes with minimal discharge that appears only in the morning and clears during the day
- Eye irritation from allergies (which is not contagious)
- Generally feels well and can participate in activities
In these cases, they can typically attend school or daycare. Inform the staff about the condition so they can encourage the child to practice good hand hygiene and avoid sharing personal items.
School-Age Children
Older children in school settings don't have the same close physical contact as younger children in daycare. This means the infection risk is somewhat lower. However, if a school-age child has a severe eye infection with significant irritation, staying home may still be appropriate until the worst symptoms improve.
How Is Eye Inflammation Treated?
Most eye inflammation requires no medication—proper eye cleaning is the most important treatment. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment are prescribed only when a doctor confirms bacterial infection and symptoms haven't improved with cleaning alone. After two days of antibiotic treatment, the infection is no longer contagious. Some viral infections, like herpes in the eye, require specific antiviral treatment.
The approach to treating eye inflammation depends on its underlying cause. Understanding what treatments are appropriate—and what isn't necessary—helps avoid unnecessary medication use while ensuring effective management of the condition.
The Importance of Eye Cleaning
For both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, regular and thorough eye cleaning is the foundation of treatment. Most cases improve with proper hygiene alone, making medication unnecessary. The cleaning technique described earlier in this article should be performed several times daily, especially in the morning when discharge has accumulated overnight, and whenever the eyes feel uncomfortable or sticky.
When Antibiotics Are Prescribed
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed in specific circumstances:
- When a doctor has confirmed bacterial infection
- When the inflammation hasn't improved with cleaning alone
- When there's significant purulent discharge
It's important to understand that antibiotics do not work against viral infections, which are actually more common than bacterial conjunctivitis. Using antibiotics for viral infection provides no benefit and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. This is why healthcare providers typically recommend trying eye cleaning first before prescribing antibiotics.
If antibiotics are prescribed, the infection is no longer contagious after two days of treatment. This applies to both adults and children. It's crucial to complete the full course of treatment as indicated on the prescription—stopping early because symptoms have improved can lead to the infection returning.
Treatment for Viral Infections
Most viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own without specific treatment. However, some viral infections don't resolve on their own and require treatment. Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye is an example that needs specific antiviral medication. Signs that might indicate herpes infection include:
- Red eye accompanied by blisters (vesicles) on the face, particularly around the eye
- Significant pain rather than just mild discomfort
- Light sensitivity
If you suspect herpes eye infection, seek medical evaluation promptly, as proper treatment is important to prevent complications.
Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis
When eye inflammation is caused by allergies, the treatment approach differs from infectious cases. Antihistamine eye drops can provide relief, and identifying and avoiding the triggering allergen is key to long-term management. Oral antihistamines may also help, particularly when eye symptoms accompany other allergic symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Inflammation
Most cases of eye inflammation that cause discharge heal within five days with proper eye cleaning. Viral conjunctivitis typically lasts 7-14 days, often following the same timeline as an accompanying cold. Bacterial conjunctivitis may resolve in 5-7 days without treatment, but antibiotic eye drops typically produce improvement within 2-3 days. Allergic conjunctivitis lasts as long as exposure to the allergen continues but improves rapidly with antihistamine treatment or when the allergen is removed. If your symptoms persist beyond five days without improvement, or worsen significantly, consult a healthcare provider.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. The infection spreads through direct contact with infected eye discharge, contaminated hands, or shared personal items like towels, pillowcases, and eye makeup. It spreads most easily among children who play in close contact, such as at daycare. Adults can also spread it through hugs, handshakes, or touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing their eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious because it results from an individual's immune response to allergens rather than an infection. When in doubt, practice good hygiene to prevent potential spread.
Seek medical care if you experience: severe inflammation with heavy discharge that doesn't improve with cleaning; symptoms that don't improve within five days; light sensitivity; severe symptoms in only one eye; red eye while blisters appear on your face; eye that is red, painful, and gritty; or if your vision is affected. Seek emergency care if you have reduced vision with significant eye pain, or if a baby under one month old has eye discharge, swelling, redness, or blisters around the eyes. Most mild cases can be managed at home with proper eye cleaning.
Wash your hands thoroughly first. Moisten a soft tissue or cotton ball with lukewarm water (not hot). Gently wipe from the outer corner of the eye toward the inner corner (toward the nose)—this prevents pushing bacteria and discharge back into the eye. Use a fresh tissue for each wipe and discard immediately. If eyelids are stuck together, place a warm, moist compress on the closed eye for 1-2 minutes to soften crusted discharge before wiping. Wash hands again after cleaning. Repeat several times daily, especially in the morning and whenever eyes feel uncomfortable.
Viral conjunctivitis typically produces watery, clear discharge, often starts in one eye before spreading to the other, and is frequently associated with cold symptoms. It doesn't respond to antibiotics and must run its course (7-14 days). Bacterial conjunctivitis produces thick, yellow or yellow-green discharge, commonly causes eyelids to stick together (especially in the morning), and responds well to antibiotic eye drops with improvement typically within 2-3 days. Both cause redness and discomfort, but bacterial infections tend to produce more significant discharge. Without testing, it can be difficult to distinguish between types based on symptoms alone.
All information is based on international medical guidelines and peer-reviewed research: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Preferred Practice Patterns 2023, NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, WHO recommendations for eye infections, Cochrane Database systematic reviews on antibiotic treatment for conjunctivitis, and peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals. All medical claims have evidence level 1A, the highest quality of evidence based on systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Conjunctivitis Preferred Practice Pattern. 2023. Available at: aao.org
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Conjunctivitis - infective: Clinical Knowledge Summary. 2023. Available at: cks.nice.org.uk
- Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, van Schayck CP, McLean S, Nurmatov U. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;3:CD001211.
- World Health Organization. World Report on Vision. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
- Azari AA, Barney NP. Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment. JAMA. 2013;310(16):1721-1729.
- Hovding G. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Acta Ophthalmol. 2008;86(1):5-17.
- Rietveld RP, van Weert HC, ter Riet G, Bindels PJ. Diagnostic impact of signs and symptoms in acute infectious conjunctivitis. BMJ. 2003;327(7418):789.
About Our Medical Editorial Team
This article was written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, a group of licensed healthcare professionals specializing in ophthalmology, infectious disease, and evidence-based medicine. Our team includes board-certified physicians with clinical experience in diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
All content undergoes rigorous medical review following international guidelines from AAO, WHO, and NICE. We use the GRADE framework to evaluate evidence quality.
iMedic operates independently with no commercial funding or pharmaceutical sponsorship. We have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Last reviewed: December 5, 2025 | Next review due: December 2026 | Evidence level: 1A (systematic reviews and meta-analyses)