Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, may be due to several factors, like viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Its cause generally determines its type.

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, refers to inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. This is the thin, transparent layer that covers the white part of the eye. It’s also the lining of the eyelids.

There are several types of conjunctivitis. Each type has a distinct cause, symptoms, and treatments.

Read on to learn more about the types of pink eye and what to do if you have it.

There are several different types of conjunctivitis. The type is generally based on the infection that’s causing it.

Here are the most common types.

Viral conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of contagious pink eye. It’s due to adenoviruses. Adenoviruses are very common and cause cold- and flu-like symptoms.

This type of conjunctivitis is very easy to spread, and it often occurs along with upper respiratory illnesses.

Without treatment, most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

More common in children than adults, bacterial conjunctivitis is due to bacteria.

The most common bacteria that cause it include:

This type of pink eye usually involves eye discharge that may contain pus.

Since it results from bacteria, this type of conjunctivitis is treatable with antibiotics — usually in the form of eye drops or eye ointment.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is generally due to seasonal allergies triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

Symptoms often include itching, redness, and watery discharge.

Although it’s considered related to seasonal allergies, it’s possible to have this type of conjunctivitis year-round.

Chemical (toxic) conjunctivitis

Chemical, or toxic, conjunctivitis results from exposure to a toxic substance or chemical. Some examples include chlorine from pool water or pool maintenance, airborne pollen, and household chemicals.

This type of conjunctivitis can resolve quickly if you remove yourself from the source of the irritation.

Nonspecific conjunctivitis

This type of conjunctivitis is often associated with other underlying health conditions, or it may be due to a foreign object in your eye, contact lens use, eyestrain or fatigue, or smoke from fireplaces or grilling.

This type may be long lasting, or it may resolve once you find and address the underlying cause.

Other, less common types of conjunctivitis include:

  • Chronic follicular conjunctivitis: This type causes small, raised bumps (follicles) on the surface of the eye.
  • Granulomatous conjunctivitis: This type occurs with conditions like sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.
  • Papillary conjunctivitis: This type causes small bumps (papillae) on the inside of the eyelid.
  • Ophthalmia neonatorum: This is an eye infection that affects newborns and develops shortly after delivery.

Since most people have pink eye that’s highly contagious, it’s important to wash your hands frequently if you have it or if you’re near someone else who has it.

The outlook for most people who have pink eye is good. Depending on the type, it generally resolves within 1 to 2 weeks.

If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, you may need additional antibiotics if one course doesn’t completely clear it up.

  • notice your symptoms getting worse
  • have symptoms that last for more than a few days
  • have other or new symptoms, like:
  • have a condition that affects your immune system

Viral conjunctivitis is typically due to adenoviruses. It’s highly contagious, and many people have it along with an upper respiratory infection.

Viral conjunctivitis usually gets better without treatment in 1 to 2 weeks.

Yes, newborn babies can get a specific type of conjunctivitis called ophthalmia neonatorum. They usually contract this eye infection during birth.

Babies with this type of conjunctivitis need immediate medical care.

There are several different types of conjunctivitis, including viral, bacterial, allergic, and others.

Certain types can be highly contagious, so it’s important to wash your hands frequently if you have this condition.

Most cases clear up quite quickly, either with time, with antibiotic treatment (for bacterial conjunctivitis), or by removing yourself from the source of the irritation.

It’s best to contact a doctor if you have long-lasting or worsening symptoms.