What should you know about beginning of pink eye?

Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis. It involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin surface covering over the white of the eye and the inner eyelids. One eye may start first, with the other becoming affected later, especially when an infection is involved.

A watery eye with itching can occur with irritation or an allergy. A sticky or crusting discharge can occur with an infection, while a gritty sensation and redness can accompany several causes. These features overlap, so eye appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Avoid touching or rubbing the eye. Do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops, and wash your hands after wiping discharge. Contact lenses can trap irritants and germs against the eye; remove them and use glasses until a clinician advises that lenses are suitable again.

You can read more about [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/) and related symptoms such as [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) or [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/).

Gently clean away discharge with clean water and a fresh, clean pad each time. A cool compress over closed eyelids may ease irritation. Keep eye products personal, replace eye makeup used during the episode, and follow workplace, school, or childcare advice about possible infectious spread.

Do not use leftover prescription drops or someone else’s medication. Antibiotics help only when a bacterial cause is suspected and are not useful for every type of pink eye. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help decide whether examination or treatment is needed; see [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) for general information.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for significant eye pain, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, injury, a chemical splash, or strong sensitivity to light. [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/) with eye redness can need more urgent evaluation than mild irritation alone.

Seek advice sooner if you wear contact lenses, have recently had eye surgery, have a weakened immune system, or symptoms are worsening rather than settling. Emergency help is appropriate after a chemical exposure: rinse the eye continuously with clean, lukewarm water while seeking urgent care, unless a clinician has given different instructions.

Ask what cause is most consistent with your pattern of redness, discharge, itching, pain, and vision change; whether you should stop contact lenses; how to clean the eye safely; and which changes should trigger an urgent review.