{"id":1811,"date":"2026-10-20T08:52:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-glossary\/conjunctivitis\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:56:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:56:33","slug":"conjunctivitis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/conjunctivitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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  1. Home<\/a><\/li>
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  4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t

    Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Medically reviewed by {{surgeon}}<\/span><\/strong>, {{surgeon’s title and specialty}}<\/span>, on {{review date}}<\/span>. Last updated {{date}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \"Illustration<\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
    \n\t\t<\/svg>Definition<\/span>\n\t\t\t

    Conjunctivitis<\/strong> (noun, also called pink eye)<\/em>: inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergy, and makes the eye red, watery, itchy or sticky. Most cases clear up on their own within one to two weeks, but a painful eye or blurred vision is never normal conjunctivitis and needs a doctor the same day. At Laser Istanbul Clinic, eye infections are assessed by Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer (Do\u00e7. = Associate Professor), our cornea specialist.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Conjunctivitis: key facts<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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    <\/svg>What it is<\/span><\/dt>
    Inflammation of the conjunctiva, in one or both eyes<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Main types<\/span><\/dt>
    Viral (most common), bacterial, allergic; less often chemical, contact-lens-related or other causes<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Typical symptoms<\/span><\/dt>
    Red or pink eye, gritty or burning feeling, watering, itching, sticky discharge<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>How long it lasts<\/span><\/dt>
    Usually 1\u20132 weeks (AAO); the NHS says “a couple of weeks”<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Contagious?<\/span><\/dt>
    Viral and bacterial: yes. Allergic: no<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Antibiotics needed?<\/span><\/dt>
    Only for bacterial cases; they do not work on viral or allergic conjunctivitis<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Urgent signs<\/span><\/dt>
    Eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, very red eye, or a baby under 30 days old with red, sticky eyes<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Specialist<\/span><\/dt>
    Ophthalmologist; at Laser Istanbul Clinic, Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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    What are the types of conjunctivitis?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

    Conjunctivitis has three main causes, and telling them apart matters because the treatment is different. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe the same three groups.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

    Type<\/th>Typical picture<\/th>Contagious?<\/th>Treatment in short<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Viral conjunctivitis<\/strong><\/th>Burning, red eyes with a watery discharge, often alongside a cold or sore throat<\/td>Yes, highly<\/td>No specific treatment; cool compresses and artificial tears while it clears<\/td><\/tr>
    Bacterial conjunctivitis<\/strong><\/th>Sore, red eyes with thick, sticky discharge; lids may be stuck together on waking<\/td>Yes<\/td>Antibiotic eye drops when a doctor decides they are needed<\/td><\/tr>
    Allergic conjunctivitis<\/strong><\/th>Itchy, red, watery eyes with puffy lids, usually both eyes, often with hay fever<\/td>No<\/td>Avoid the trigger; allergy eye drops or antihistamines<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

    Less common forms include chemical conjunctivitis (from a splash or irritant), conjunctivitis linked to contact lenses, and forms caused by herpes viruses or sexually transmitted bacteria. Conjunctivitis that starts in the first month of life is a separate, urgent problem (see below).<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Conjunctivitis symptoms, according to the NHS, are eyes that are red, burn or feel gritty, itch, water, or produce pus that sticks to the lashes. One eye is often affected first and the other may follow. The details help point to the cause:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t