Acute Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Achuta Uppu, MD. Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Acute Conjunctivitis?
An ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) is the specialist for eye problems like acute conjunctivitis. A primary care doctor or an optometrist (a provider who checks vision and eye health) can also examine you and treat pink eye. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is acute conjunctivitis?
Acute conjunctivitis is often called pink eye. The conjunctiva is the thin layer that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. It can make the white of the eye turn pink or red. Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious.
Symptoms
Pink eye symptoms can appear in one or both eyes. Common symptoms include:
- Pink or red color in the white of the eye.
- Swelling of the eyelids or of the thin layer that lines the white of the eye.
- Watery, teary eyes.
- A feeling that something is in the eye, or an urge to rub the eye.
- Itchiness, irritation, and burning of the eye.
- Discharge (pus or mucus) from the eye.
Causes and who gets it
The most common causes of pink eye are viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Allergens are things like pollen or animal dander that trigger allergies. Other causes include chemicals, contact lens wear, and a foreign body in the eye, like a loose eyelash. Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious.
How doctors diagnose it
Healthcare providers can usually identify pink eye by examining the eye and considering your history and other symptoms. Sometimes a doctor might collect a sample from the eye and send it to a laboratory (a place that tests samples) to find out which type of pink eye you have.
Treatment
Treatment for pink eye can depend on what is causing it. Cold compresses and artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) can help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by pink eye. You can buy these without a prescription. Stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it is okay to wear them again.
Most cases of viral pink eye are mild. They usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment. In some cases, viral pink eye can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. Antibiotics do not improve viral pink eye because these drugs do not work against viruses. For more serious forms, like infection caused by herpes simplex virus (a virus that can infect the eye), a doctor can prescribe antiviral medication.
Mild bacterial pink eye may get better without antibiotic treatment. It usually clears up in 2 to 5 days without treatment but can take 2 weeks to go away completely. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given as eye drops or ointment. Antibiotics may help shorten the length of infection and prevent the spread to others. They may be needed when there is pus discharge, when the immune system (the body's ability to fight germs and sickness) is weak, or when certain bacteria are suspected.
Pink eye caused by an allergen usually improves by removing the allergen from your environment. Allergy medications and certain eye drops, including some prescription eye drops, can also relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if any chemical gets into your eye, if something cuts or goes into the eyeball, or if you suddenly lose vision. Rinse a chemical out with large amounts of clean water or saline while you get help. See a healthcare provider if you have pink eye with eye pain, light sensitivity, intense eye redness, or blurred vision that does not improve when you wipe discharge from the eyes. Get care if symptoms get worse or do not improve. Call your doctor if bacterial pink eye does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use. Newborns with signs of pink eye should be seen by a doctor right away, since newborn pink eye caused by infection can be very serious. People with a weakened immune system should also seek medical care.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can examine your eyes, treat mild pink eye, and tell you when you need an eye specialist. They can also check on you as you heal.
Common questions
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious. They can spread easily from person to person. Good hygiene helps prevent getting or spreading pink eye.
How long does pink eye last?
Viral pink eye usually clears up in 7 to 14 days without treatment, but some cases can take 2 to 3 weeks or more. Mild bacterial pink eye usually clears up in 2 to 5 days without treatment. It can take 2 weeks to go away completely.
When is pink eye an emergency?
Pink eye is an emergency if any chemical gets into the eye. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away, and rinse the eye with large amounts of clean water or saline while you get help.
Do I need antibiotics for pink eye?
It depends. Antibiotics do not improve viral pink eye. For bacterial pink eye, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Mild bacterial cases may get better without antibiotics. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for your infection.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
