What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Apr 7, 2025

Close of of woman's face and eyes which shows she has amblyopia

Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is the inflammation of the thin, clear tissue (the conjunctiva) that covers the white of your eye. It’s a common condition in both adults and children, with symptoms ranging from redness and irritation to sticky discharge.

In this guide, we’ll explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments for conjunctivitis, along with practical tips to ease discomfort. We’ll also cover how glasses, and Lensology’s specialist lenses, can help protect your eyes while you recover.

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can be triggered by a range of factors, and identifying the cause is key to treatment. The most common include:

Viral infections – often linked to colds or respiratory illnesses.
Bacterial infections – caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Allergies – triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Irritants – such as smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, or harsh chemicals.
Contact lens use – wearing lenses for too long or without proper hygiene can increase risk.

Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

The signs can vary depending on the cause, but typical symptoms include:

Red or bloodshot eyes
Itching or burning sensation
Watery or sticky discharge (sometimes causing eyelids to stick together)
Swollen eyelids
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Gritty feeling in the eyes

How Is Conjunctivitis Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause:

Viral conjunctivitis – usually clears up on its own within 1-2 weeks.
Bacterial conjunctivitis – often treated with antibiotic drops prescribed by your optician or GP.
Allergic conjunctivitis – managed with antihistamines or avoiding the trigger.

For mild cases, you can ease symptoms at home with:

Using clean tissues or cotton pads to wipe discharge.
Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses until symptoms clear.
Washing hands regularly to prevent spreading infection.

Important: If symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting your vision, seek professional medical advice.

Can Glasses Help With Conjunctivitis?

Yes. If you normally wear contact lenses, it’s best to switch to glasses until your eyes have fully recovered. Glasses also act as a barrier, helping to protect your eyes from dust, pollen, and further irritation.

Specialist lenses can also make recovery more comfortable:

Anti-Glare coating – reduces reflections and strain on sore eyes.
Blue Light protection – eases digital eye strain if you’re using screens while recovering.
UV protection – shields sensitive eyes from harmful sun exposure.

At Lensology, you can reglaze your existing frames with these coatings – saving you from buying new glasses and making recovery easier and more affordable.

Top Tips to Prevent Conjunctivitis

Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes.
Never share towels, makeup, or eye drops.
Replace pillowcases regularly during infection.
Clean glasses daily to prevent bacteria build-up.

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