What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
A pink and itchy eye is a common symptom of conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Sometimes, it feels like there's something in the eye. Other symptoms of pink eye include:
- Eyelids stuck shut when you wake up in the morning (the classic symptom)
- Uncomfortable, thick yellow or green discharge (often a bacterial infection)
- Thin, clear drainage from the eye (often a viral infection or an allergic reaction)
- Itching, burning, or feeling like there's sand in your eye (often a viral infection or an allergic reaction)
- Family member with the same symptoms (indicating that an infection is being passed from one person to another)
- Painful eye in bright light (called photophobia)
- A recent cold (often a viral infection)
- Swollen lymph nodes (often a viral infection)
- Burning during urination or discharge from the penis in men (rare)
- Vaginal discharge in women (a possible complication of a sexually transmitted disease)
When to Seek a Medial Professional
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms you think might be pink eye. Pink eye can be highly contagious for as long as two weeks after signs and symptoms begin. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect people around you from getting pink eye too.
People who wear contact lenses need to stop wearing their contacts as soon as pink eye symptoms begin. If your symptoms don't start to get better within 12 to 24 hours, make an appointment with your eye doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious eye infection related to contact lens use.
In addition, there are other serious eye conditions that can cause eye redness. Typically, these conditions will also cause pain and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent care.
