What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. When the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they become more visible, giving the eye a pink or red appearance.
Pink eye is the most common eye infection seen in primary care and eye care offices. While it is usually not sight-threatening, proper diagnosis is essential because the treatment differs significantly depending on the cause — and because several more serious conditions can mimic its appearance.
When to seek care immediately: If you experience severe eye pain, significant light sensitivity, blurred vision, or a history of recent eye surgery or contact lens wear with red eye symptoms, seek same-day evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.
Pink eye is usually an infection. Most cases are bacterial or viral. For deeper detail on each type — including herpes simplex keratitis and shingles in the eye — see our eye infections guide, or jump straight to bacterial and viral infection details.
Symptoms
Signs of Pink Eye
Redness
Pink or red discoloration of the white of the eye, caused by inflamed and dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva.
Discharge
Watery discharge with viral, thick yellow-green discharge with bacterial, or stringy mucus with allergic conjunctivitis.
Crusting
Eyelids stuck together upon waking, especially common with bacterial pink eye due to dried discharge overnight.
Tearing
Excessive watering of the eyes, particularly prominent in viral conjunctivitis.
Gritty Feeling
A foreign body sensation — feeling like something is in your eye even though nothing is there.
Swollen Eyelids
Puffy, swollen lids that may be tender to the touch, especially with viral or allergic forms.
Our Approach
Fast, Accurate Pink Eye Treatment
Getting the diagnosis right matters — the wrong treatment can prolong symptoms or mask a more serious condition. Dr. Patel performs a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause and prescribe targeted therapy.
- Same-day and urgent appointments — we prioritize red eye visits because timely diagnosis prevents spread and rules out serious conditions
- Slit-lamp examination — detailed microscopic evaluation of the conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior chamber to identify the cause and rule out corneal involvement
- Targeted prescriptions — antibiotic drops for bacterial cases, supportive care for viral, and antihistamine therapy for allergic — no one-size-fits-all approach
- Return-to-school/work guidance — clear instructions on when it is safe to return, with documentation provided if needed
- Prevention counseling — hygiene strategies to protect family members and coworkers from contagious forms
Why Flower Mound Trusts PersonalEyes for Pink Eye Care
Same-Day Access
We offer same-day and urgent appointments for red eye symptoms — no waiting days for answers when you need care now.
Accurate Diagnosis
Dr. Patel distinguishes between viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis — and rules out more serious look-alikes like uveitis and keratitis.
Family-Friendly Care
We treat pink eye in patients of all ages, from young children to adults, with a gentle and thorough approach.
Conveniently located at 2600 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 180, Flower Mound, TX 75022 — proudly serving Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Grapevine, Coppell, Lantana, Argyle, and the greater DFW area.
Frequently Asked Questions