Viral pink eye is conjunctivitis that is caused by a viral infection. Other causes of pink eye include bacterial infection, exposure to irritants, or allergies. Viral pink eye may only affect one eye, but it may spread to both eyes. Viral pinkeye can occur when the person has a cold or the flu. Adenoviruses or enteroviruses are the viruses that are most often responsible for causing viral pink eye.

Treatment for viral conjunctivitis is about treating the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis since there is no treatment for common viruses. Like the common cold which is caused by a virus, viral pink eye will go away without medical treatment. Even if the person consults the doctor for pink eye, if it is viral pink eye there is nothing that the doctor can prescribe to make it go away in most cases.

The symptoms of viral pink eye usually include redness, excessive tearing, discharge from the eyes, and itchiness. The discharge from the eyes often causes pastiness or may cause the eyelids to stick shut in the mornings. Sometimes viral conjunctivitis causes pain and sensitivity to light.

Viral pink eye treatment is limited. Some people find cold or warm compresses comforting. Eye drops may be used to increase comfort, but care should be taken to avoid touching the eye or area around the eye with the eye drop container. In rare cases that the viral pink eye is caused by herpes, viral pink eye treatment may include an antiviral medication. Viral pink eye from herpes often has small, open sores.

Viral pinkeye is highly contagious. To prevent spreading viral conjunctivitis, the person with this condition should wash their hands frequently. They should avoid touching their eyes as much as possible. If the person touches the infected eye, they should wash their hands before touching anything or anyone.

Since in most cases there is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis, people should limit contact with others. People are often restricted from going to school or the workplace until the viral pinkeye clears up. The symptoms often start to subside in three to five days at which time it is okay to return to school or work.

Many times, the viral pink eye clears up completely without medical treatment in seven to ten days. Some cases of viral pink eye last longer and may not improve until ten days or longer after the onset of symptoms. A longer episode of pink eye may cause the person to miss more work or school.