Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva (transparent membrane covering the white of the eye and insides of eyelids) is irritated. Your body increases blood flow to it to help heal, expanding its blood vessels, making it look pink. It can be an infectious (highly contagious) or allergic condition.
Here's what's happening in your eye when you get conjunctivitis or 'pink eye'.
There are three main types of conjunctivitis. Knowing the difference between them can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and how to treat them.
In this section, we’ll cover the three most common types of conjunctivitis. There are also some less common conjunctivitis causes which we'll explore further down the page.
This is the most common type in adults and is usually caused by adenoviruses (the same viruses that cause colds). You're likely to have cold‑like symptoms, and it’s highly contagious. Viral conjunctivitis tends to clear up on its own within a couple of weeks.
This is more common in kids and usually clears up within 10 days. It’s caused by bacteria in the conjunctiva and often leads to redness, irritation, and a pus‑like discharge that can crust over the eyelashes, especially after sleep.
Allergies to things like pollen, pet hair or dust mites can also cause pink eye. If your eye is irritated by an allergen, it releases substances called histamines, which make your eye's tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva swell. This makes them itchy and watery.
Learn more about hay fever
In this video, Specsavers optometrist Dr Nigel Best describes some of the most common conjunctivitis symptoms that you might have. Watch the video to find out how to get rid of conjunctivitis with simple home remedies and over the counter treatments.
While there are a few different things that can cause conjunctivitis, they all share similar symptoms.
You may only get symptoms in one eye, or you might get them in both (it can also start in one eye then spread to the other).
Here are some of the most common symptoms of conjunctivitis we see at our stores in Australia.
This is the most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis. When your body reacts to an infection or allergen, it sends more blood to the affected area ‑ this is known as inflammation. This increased blood flow causes the tiny blood vessels in your eye to expand, making them more noticeable and giving your eye a red or pink appearance.
Inflammation can also make your eye feel warmer because more blood is flowing to the eye. Some people find their eye feels physically hotter.
If you have pink eye, your eyes may produce more tears than normal, and they'll feel especially watery. If the conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy, a chemical or something on the surface of the eye, the extra tears can help to flush it out.
Learn more about watering eyes
You might find that you get a gritty feeling in your eye. This may be caused by the conjunctiva swelling slightly when it becomes inflamed.
Learn more about the feeling of something in your eye
If the conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy, your eye might feel especially itchy. When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases a chemical called histamine which makes blood vessels expand, meaning they feel itchy.
Learn more about itchy eyes.
You might get a sticky or crusty substance (like pus) collecting on your eyelashes. People often find their eyes are stuck together when they wake up. This is particularly common with bacterial conjunctivitis.
Book an eye testConjunctivitis is the most common cause of eye‑related visits to the GP and Emergency Departments in Australia.
The big challenge with conjunctivitis is how contagious it is (particularly the viral form). It's common for pink eye to spread in schools, workplaces, clubs and other places people spend time close together.
There are many things that can irritate your conjunctiva and lead to inflammation.
So, what causes conjunctivitis? Here are the most common reasons we see at our stores.
Viruses cause up to 75% of conjunctivitis cases in Australia according to studies. Pink eye is most often caused by adenoviruses, which also cause the common cold (you'll likely get cold‑like symptoms along with pink eye). Other viruses that can cause conjunctivitis include herpes simplex, chicken pox, shingles and COVID‑19.
Some bacteria that normally live on your skin or in your body can grow too much and cause pink eye. It’s more common in children than adults.
Pollen, pet hair and dust mites can trigger an allergic reaction that causes pink eye. This often leads to swelling, itching and redness.
Things like shampoo, cleaning products or eye makeup can irritate your eyes and lead to pink eye.
Fungal conjunctivitis is rare, but it can happen. It’s usually caused by fungi getting into the eye through damage, dirty contact lenses or plant material.
An autoimmune disorder is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Autoimmune disorders like lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome can cause pink eye as a symptom.
For some newborn babies, a blocked tear duct can cause pink eye since the eye doesn't get as much lubrication as it needs. It usually clears up by itself, but you should let the midwife, your child's GP or a health visitor know.
Book an eye testMost cases of conjunctivitis clear up on their own within a week or two.
See your optometrist, GP or pharmacist if your eyes aren't getting better after 1‑2 days, or if you notice any of these:
Your eyesight (vision) has become noticeably worse
Severe pain or sensitivity to light
You still feel unwell or have symptoms for longer than 10‑14 days.
They'll ask about your symptoms and check your eyes to see if it's conjunctivitis or something else. Sometimes they might take a swab to send to a lab. They can also recommend ways to ease your symptoms and help your eyes feel better.
Book an eye testAt Specsavers, our optometrists will advise you on how to treat conjunctivitis based on your symptoms, how you're feeling and the underlying cause (if known).
Most of the time, pink eye will just clear up by itself within a couple of weeks, and no special treatment is needed. But if it's not going away on its own, or is causing you a lot of discomfort, there are a few treatment options available.
Conjunctivitis can often be treated very effectively with some simple home remedies and self‑care.
If you wear contact lenses, it’s best not to irritate your eyes any further, so avoid wearing them while you have symptoms and wear your specs instead.
Conjunctivitis can make your eyes itchy and sore, so it's natural to want to rub them. But this won't resolve the issue, and can cause more damage and irritation to your eyes.
Use warm water and cotton wool to gently clean sticky eyelids and lashes. Avoid soaps or chemicals – warm water is usually enough.
If pollen, pet hair or dust mites trigger your conjunctivitis, try to avoid them. Keep pets out of the bedroom and clean regularly to reduce dust mites.
At Specsavers stores and many pharmacies in Australia, you can find a range of over‑the‑counter treatments that will help relieve conjunctivitis symptoms.
Taken as pills or eye drops, they block histamine and help with allergy‑related pink eye.
Lubricating eyedrops can relieve the symptoms of inflammation. At Specsavers, we offer a range of preservative‑free eyelid cleansers and optometrist‑approved eyedrops at our stores in Australia.
You can apply both warm and cold eye compresses to relieve conjunctivitis discomfort. You place them over your eyelids, and this can relieve symptoms of itchiness, soreness and inflammation. We offer a range of antibacterial eye compresses and heat masks at Specsavers stores.
We offer a range of optometrist‑approved wipes and solutions that you apply with a cotton pad. You can use these wipes or solutions to gently remove built‑up pus and crust on your eyelashes.
Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis. Your optometrist or GP may advise using more advanced medical treatment for conjunctivitis.
If bacteria are behind your pink eye, antibiotics (as pills or eye drops) can help. Always finish the full course, even if you start to feel better.
Most viral pink eye clears up on its own. But if it’s caused by herpes, chickenpox, shingles or an STI, your GP or a therapeutically endorsed optometrist may prescribe antiviral treatment.
If your conjunctivitis is caused by an autoimmune disorder (this is quite rare), then your doctor may prescribe you with immunosuppressants. These stop your body's immune system from attacking itself.
Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.
You can lower your risk of getting conjunctivitis by using a few simple preventive measures. If you already have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, these steps can also help to stop it from spreading to others.
Viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily. You will be contagious as long as there is a discharge from your eye (usually 10 ‑14 days after symptoms start). Do not attend work or school until discharge stops.
Wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels or close contact. This helps stop pink eye spreading, especially during an outbreak.
Antihistamines help, but it’s best to avoid triggers. Keep pets out of the bedroom, clean often, and during pollen season, close windows and stay in on high pollen days.
Bin old eye makeup, wear eye protection with chemicals, and use mild products in the shower – rinsing suds away quickly.
Book an eye testIf your child has pink eye, Health Direct says that children should be kept out of school until the discharge (pus) from their eyes has stopped.
Children may not remember to wash their hands as often as adults, or they may not understand why they can't play with their friends. So, it's generally advised to keep them away from other kids until they're better.
Conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own within 1–2 weeks. In some cases ‑ especially with viral conjunctivitis ‑ it may take a little longer to go away.
Yes, the viral and bacterial types of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and they spread through coughs, sneezes and physical contact. It’s important to keep your mouth and nose covered when sneezing or coughing, regularly wash your hands and avoid sharing towels and other items to avoid passing it on to someone else.
Conjunctivitis usually stays contagious for as long as you have symptoms, especially if you have any kind of eye discharge. Typically you'll be contagious for 1‑2 weeks, but it can be longer.
There are many ways of getting conjunctivitis, depending on the type. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis (which are especially common) are often spread through coughing, sneezing, physical contact or through sharing things like towels. You get allergic conjunctivitis by being exposed to an allergen that affects you.
Conjunctivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear layer that covers the eye and inside of the eyelid). Pink eye is a more informal term that people often use to describe conjunctivitis, since one of the main symptoms is redness caused by inflamed blood vessels. Both terms refer to the same condition, and Specsavers optometrists will understand what you mean if you say 'pink eye'.
Conjunctivitis is when your conjunctiva is irritated or infected ‑ it's when the issue is specifically affecting this part of your eye. An irritated eye can have many other causes or affect different parts of the eye.
It's not usually necessary to go to the ED if you have pink eye. Usually it will clear up on its own with rest and by avoiding anything that irritates your eye. If you have symptoms of conjunctivitis and your eyes don't start to feel better after 1‑2 days, book an appointment with your optometrist or GP.
Yes, in most cases conjunctivitis clears up on its own within 1‑2 weeks. If you have symptoms of conjunctivitis and your eyes don't start to feel better after 1‑2 days, it's a good idea to get in touch with your GP or visit your optometrist for further advice.
Eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare, so there are no out‑of‑pocket expenses for you*.
Cleveland Clinic (2024) Pink eye. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/pink‑eye‑conjunctivitis
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
Hashimia, F. et al (2024) Conjunctivitis. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541034/
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
Health Direct (2023) School exclusion periods. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/school‑exclusion‑periods#conjunctivitis
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
Marinos, E., et al. (2019) Viral conjunctivitis: a retrospective study in an Australian hospital. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1367048419300621
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
Mayo Clinic (2025) Pink eye. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases‑conditions/pink‑eye/symptoms‑causes/syc‑20376355
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
Medical News Today (2023) How long is pink eye contagious? Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321551
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
Solando, D., et al. (2023) Viral conjunctivitis. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470271/
(Accessed: 22 December 2025)
This is an inflammation of the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. It's often easy to treat, but could cause vision loss if not dealt with.
This is when the edges of your eyelids become inflamed due to an infection. It can also make the whites of your eyes appear pink or red.
Learn more about blepharitis
A corneal ulcer is a painful sore that develops on the outer surface of your eye. These ulcers can cause eye inflammation and redness. They're more common among people who wear contact lenses.
Learn more about corneal ulcers
This is when there is a scratch or a scrape on the front of the eye, and it can cause red eyes, discomfort, and sensitivity to light.
Learn more about corneal abrasion.
There are several other eye conditions that can also make your eyes look pink or red. In different ways, they can cause inflammation of the whites of the eyes, eyelids, or conjunctiva.
Learn more about bloodshot eyes
Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
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An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.
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