Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the membrane of the eye and the underside of the eyelid. The viruses that are usually responsible for causing viral conjunctivitis are the adenoviruses and enteroviruses. Not all cases of conjunctivitis are caused by viral infections. Pink eye can also be caused by a bacterial infection, allergies, irritants, or exposure to chemicals, smoke, or fumes.

Viral conjunctiva is contagious. People with viral conjunctivitis should not go to work or school until the symptoms start to clear up. Sometimes, doctors recommend that the patient with viral pink eye stays home until there is no longer any discharge from the infected eyes. It is usually okay to return to work three to five days after the onset of symptoms.

To avoid spreading it to others, the people with conjunctivitis should wash their hands especially after touching their eyes. All towels and bed linens used by someone with viral conjunctivitis should be washed after use. Towels and items that come in contact with the eyes should not be shared.

There is no medical treatment for most cases of viral conjunctivitis. If the conjunctivitis is caused by the herpes virus, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. Otherwise, the viral conjunctivitis is normally left to run its course. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves itself in less than two weeks. While most cases of viral conjunctivitis only last for five to seven days, some can last as long as four weeks.

Viral conjunctivitis symptoms are similar to other forms of pink eye. An eye with a viral infection is likely to be red or pink. The eye may be itchy or mildly painful with tearing or watery discharge. People with viral conjunctivitis may have symptoms of a viral respiratory infection such as a sore throat and cough. Those are not symptoms of viral conjunctivitis, but rather the effects of being exposed to the virus.

People with viral conjunctivitis may find some relief of the symptoms by using warm compresses. Artificial tears, such as over-the-counter eye drops, may provide some relief from itchiness and inflammation. Some people use home remedies to soothe the symptoms such as compresses of steeped chamomile tea bags or green tea bags.

If the condition persists, the individual should consult a doctor. People should not use home remedies without first consulting a doctor about their safety. While people have pink eye, they should refrain from wearing contact lenses and eye makeup.