Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, causes swelling and redness on the inside of your eyelid and the white part of your eye. Your eye may also be itchy and painful.

Pink eyes are common and some types of pink eyes spread very easily. You can avoid spreading it to other people by washing your hands often and not sharing items such as pillowcases, towels, or makeup.

Some types of pink eyes get better on their own. If your case is mild, you can relieve your symptoms at home with a cold compress and eye drops available without a prescription. Other types of pink eye may need treatment from a doctor.

The most common symptoms of pink eye are:

• Pink or red eyes
• Itchy or burning eyes
• Watery eyes
• White, yellow, or green liquid (discharge) coming from your eyes
• Crust along your eyelids or lashes, which may prevent your eyes from opening when you wake up

Pink eyes can also cause:

• Swollen eyelids
• The feeling that something is in your eye
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Blurry sight
• A bump in your ear

If you wear contact lenses, you may notice that they feel uncomfortable or don't stay in place.

Anyone can get pink eyes. It is one of the most common eye problems in both children and adults.

You are more likely to get pink eye if you:

• Get in touch with someone else with pink eyes
• Recently had a respiratory infection such as a cough or cold
• Wear contact lenses
• Get in touch with something you are allergic to

Newborn babies are also at higher risk for pink eye - and it can be very serious.

Pink eye is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral pink eye is the most common type.

You can also order pink ogand get allergies to things like pollen or pet fur - or other things that can bother your eyes, such as chlorinated pool water, air pollution, or makeup.

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of pink eye because the symptoms are usually the same.

Viral and bacterial pink eye spread very easily from person to person, but you can take measures to prevent pink eye from spreading.

If you are around someone with pink eyes:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don't have soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer with alcohol in it.
• Wash your hands after touching the person with the pink eye or anything that person has used - for example, if you help put eye drops in their eyes, or put their sheets in the washing machine.
• Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Don't share personal items that the person with pink eyes has used, such as pillows, towels, makeup, or glasses.

If you have pink eyes:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Be extra careful when washing them after touching your eyes, using eye drops, or taking any medication. If you don't have soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer with alcohol in it.
• Do not touch or rub your eyes.
• If you have discharge, wash the area around your eyes 2 or 3 times a day. Use a clean, wet washcloth or a clean cotton ball each time. Make sure to wash your hands before and after washing your eyes.
• Do not share personal items with other people - including pillows, towels, makeup, or glasses.
• Clean your glasses regularly.
• If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor's instructions for cleaning, storing, and replacing them.

You can also take steps to avoid getting pink eye again:

• Discard any makeup you used while you had pink eyes. This includes eye makeup, face makeup, and brushes or sponges.
• Discard any contact lens solution, lenses, and cases that you used while you had pink eyes.
• Clean your glasses and suitcases.