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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Pink eye is a common and highly contagious inflammation of the eye. Knowing the type you have helps determine the right treatment — and whether you need to come in.

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyes. When small blood vessels in this membrane become inflamed, they become more visible — giving the eye its characteristic pink or red appearance.

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, chemical substances, or foreign objects. Early diagnosis helps relieve symptoms faster and — in contagious cases — protects the people around you.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Redness — The most recognizable sign. One or both eyes may appear pink or red in the whites.

Itchiness or irritation — Eyes may feel itchy, gritty, or like something is stuck inside.

Burning sensation — A persistent burning or stinging feeling in one or both eyes, often accompanying redness and discharge.

Excessive tearing — Watery, runny eyes that may affect your ability to see clearly.

Swollen eyelids — One or both eyelids may appear puffy or droopy, particularly after waking.

Discharge — A discharge that may crust around the eye, especially after sleep. Watery discharge is more common with viral pink eye; thick or sticky discharge suggests bacterial pink eye.

Light sensitivity — Bright light may feel uncomfortable, and you may notice spots or blurring in your vision.

Types of Pink Eye

Viral Conjunctivitis — The most common type, often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection. Causes watery discharge and more commonly affects both eyes simultaneously. Highly contagious. Usually resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis — Causes thicker yellow or green discharge, swelling, and pain. Often begins in one eye and may spread to the other. Responds well to antibiotic eye drops prescribed by a provider. Contagious until about 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Allergic Conjunctivitis — Triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust. Not contagious. Primary symptom is intense itching, often in both eyes. Treated with allergy medications.

Chemical or Irritant Conjunctivitis — Caused by exposure to smoke, chlorine, chemicals, or a foreign object in the eye. Not contagious.

Newborn Pink Eye — In newborns, pink eye can result from a partially blocked or unopened tear duct. Requires prompt medical attention.

How is Pink Eye Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Most cases of viral pink eye resolve on their own with supportive care, while bacterial pink eye often requires antibiotic drops.

Artificial tears — Lubricating eye drops soothe dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

Cold or warm compresses — A cool compress reduces inflammation and discomfort. A warm compress helps loosen and remove discharge or crusting around the eye.

Clean your eyelids — Gently wiping away discharge reduces irritation and supports faster healing.

Antibiotic eye drops — Prescribed for confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis. Symptoms typically improve within 24–48 hours of starting treatment.

Allergy medications — Antihistamine eye drops or oral medications help manage allergic conjunctivitis.

Important: Stop wearing contact lenses immediately if you develop pink eye. Do not resume wearing them until symptoms have fully resolved and your provider clears you.

How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

Most cases of viral pink eye resolve within 1–2 weeks with home care. Bacterial pink eye typically clears up within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis improves once the allergen is removed or managed.

If your symptoms have not improved within two weeks, come in for an evaluation.

Can Pink Eye Cause Complications?

In most cases, pink eye resolves without any lasting effects. However, if left untreated — particularly bacterial conjunctivitis — there is a small risk of the infection spreading to the cornea, which can affect vision. This is rare but more likely in people who wear contact lenses, have a weakened immune system, or whose symptoms are worsening rather than improving. This is why persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a provider rather than managed at home indefinitely.

How Long Are You Contagious?

Viral pink eye — Contagious for as long as symptoms are present. Most providers recommend keeping children home from school or daycare for at least 3–5 days or until symptoms are clearly improving.

Bacterial pink eye — Contagious until approximately 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Children can typically return to school or daycare at that point.

Allergic or irritant pink eye — Not contagious.

How to Prevent Spreading Pink Eye

Pink eye spreads easily through direct and indirect contact. Follow these steps to protect yourself and others:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
  • Use only clean towels and washcloths — do not share them
  • Wash pillowcases and bed sheets often while symptomatic
  • Do not share eye makeup, contact lenses, or eye care products
  • Stay home from school or work until you are no longer contagious

How We Evaluate Pink Eye at Vitality Urgent Care

When you come in with eye symptoms, our providers take a thorough, systematic approach to make sure you leave with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

We start by reviewing your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and whether one or both eyes are affected. We ask about recent illnesses, known allergies, contact lens use, and any exposure to someone with pink eye — all important clues that help narrow down the cause.

The provider then performs a focused eye exam, visually inspecting the conjunctiva, eyelids, and surrounding tissue for redness, swelling, and the character of any discharge. The appearance of the discharge — watery versus thick and colored — along with whether one or both eyes are affected, helps distinguish viral, bacterial, and allergic causes.

If there is any concern about a foreign body in the eye, trauma, or a more serious eye condition, we assess for that as well. We check your vision and evaluate light sensitivity to rule out involvement of deeper eye structures.

Based on the exam findings, we determine the most appropriate course of treatment — whether that is supportive care guidance, a prescription for antibiotic eye drops, or a referral to an ophthalmologist if a condition falls outside the scope of urgent care. Our goal is to give you a clear diagnosis, a straightforward treatment plan, and the peace of mind that your eyes are being taken care of.

When Should You Come to Vitality Urgent Care?

Many mild cases of pink eye can be managed at home, but you should visit us if you experience:

  • Eye pain that is moderate to severe
  • Significant changes in your vision
  • Intense light sensitivity
  • Symptoms that are worsening or not improving after a week
  • Thick yellow or green discharge suggesting bacterial infection
  • Pink eye symptoms in a newborn
  • Pink eye in someone with a weakened immune system or who wears contact lenses

Our providers can examine your eye, determine the type of pink eye, and prescribe antibiotic drops if needed — all in one walk-in visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pink eye contagious? Viral and bacterial pink eye are both highly contagious. Allergic and irritant pink eye are not. Avoid close contact and practice thorough hand hygiene until symptoms resolve or you’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

How do I know if my pink eye is viral or bacterial? Viral pink eye typically causes watery discharge, affects both eyes, and is often associated with a cold. Bacterial pink eye tends to cause thicker yellow or green discharge, usually starts in one eye, and involves more swelling and pain. A provider can examine your eye and help determine the cause.

Can pink eye go away on its own? Viral pink eye often resolves without treatment within 1–2 weeks. Bacterial pink eye can improve on its own, but antibiotic drops speed recovery significantly. If you’re unsure of the cause or symptoms are worsening, come in.

Can I go to urgent care for pink eye? Yes. We can diagnose the type of conjunctivitis you have, prescribe antibiotic eye drops for bacterial cases, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan — all in a single walk-in visit.

What gets rid of pink eye fastest? For bacterial pink eye, antibiotic eye drops prescribed by a provider provide the fastest relief. For viral pink eye, supportive care — warm compresses, artificial tears, and rest — is the most effective approach. Allergic pink eye responds best to antihistamines and removing the allergen.

Should my child stay home from school with pink eye? Yes, if the pink eye is viral or bacterial. For viral pink eye, keep children home for at least 3–5 days or until symptoms are clearly improving. For bacterial pink eye, children can return 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops.

Can pink eye affect my vision permanently? Permanent vision effects from pink eye are rare. However, untreated bacterial conjunctivitis can spread to the cornea and cause damage in some cases. If your symptoms are worsening, not improving after a week, or you experience any changes in vision, visit us for an evaluation.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses with pink eye? No. Stop wearing contact lenses immediately at the first sign of pink eye. Contacts can trap bacteria or viruses against the eye, worsen the infection, and delay healing. Do not resume wearing them until your provider confirms your eyes have fully cleared.

Eye Bothering You? We Can Help.

Walk in any day of the year — no appointment needed. Our team at Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich is ready to evaluate and treat your pink eye today.

Medically reviewed by the clinical team at Vitality Urgent Care. Last reviewed April 2026.

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