Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis or pinkeye, is usually easy to identify by the typical pink eye symptoms. The most common of the symptoms of pink eye is a reddening of the eye. A reddening of the eye is called hyperemia. The condition is named after the pink appearance of the eye due to the infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eyeball and the underside of the eyelid.

The most common of the other symptoms of pink eye is a crustiness or yellowish discharge from the affected eye or eyes. This crustiness can cause the eyes with pink eye to stick together or be pasted shut. This symptom is most noticeable upon waking.

Other pink eye symptoms include a feeling like there is something in the eye. This is sometimes referred to as a foreign-body sensation. The sensation that there is a foreign substance in the eye can be very uncomfortable. The person with pink eye may also experience itching or burning sensations. Cold or warm compresses may help alleviate some of the discomfort.

The eyelid may appear swollen or red. The eyes affected by pink eye may tear more than usual. Itchiness and tearing of the eyes are the most common symptoms of pink eye that is caused by allergies. People with pink eyes due to allergies often have other allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or sneezing.

If they no longer have allergy symptoms other than pink eye, they may have had the symptoms at the onset of the pink eye symptoms. This can help a person differentiate between the different causes of pink eye. Someone with pink eye due to allergies does not need to avoid going to work or school since pink eye due to allergies is not contagious.

The person may experience some light sensitivity. Light sensitivity is sometimes called photophobia. The vision should not be affected in any other way. A loss of vision and impaired vision are not symptoms of pink eye. If someone experiences these symptoms, they should contact their doctor immediately or seek emergency medical services.

The symptoms of pink eye usually resolve themselves in seven to ten days. If the condition persists or new symptoms begin that are not associated with pink eye, the person should consult a doctor. If the person with pink eye has an immune system disorder or compromised immune system for any reason, they should seek medical attention for pink eye.