Pink eye may be caused by the following:

• Bacterial/viral infections– if you have a viral or bacterial infection, you will likely experience copious watery discharge (viral infection) or a thick yellow or green discharge (bacterial infection) in addition to redness of one or both eyes. Infectious conjunctivitis often occurs at the same time as a cold or a respiratory illness. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious. It is spread by direct contact with an infected person, or by contact with items an infected person has touched (indirect contact). If you have children who have conjunctivitis it is important that you wash your hands frequently and have them do the same, and ensure that your children are treated by their doctor.
• Allergic conjunctivitis– if you suffer from allergies, your eyes may also be affected. Your eyes may be reddened and itchy and may water uncontrollably. You may also suffer from a runny nose and may sneeze frequently. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs after exposure to an allergen such as pollen.
• Foreign objects/substances in the eye– if you have inadvertently splashed a chemical in your eye or something has been blown by the wind into your eye, you will know it! Your eye will be irritated and you will feel as though you have something in your eye. Your eyes may water profusely as your eye attempts to flush out the foreign object or substance. If you think (or know) that there is something in your eye that shouldn’t be there, try not to rub your eye. Flush your eyes with saline if you have any and come to see me right away, or head to the nearest emergency room. Foreign objects or substances, particularly chemicals, may damage the eye and may threaten vision. Many workplaces in which chemicals are used have eye wash stations for these types of emergencies.