Pink Eye: Its Many Causes and Treatments, and How to Prevent Its Spread

Natural approaches and lifestyle changes may help ease symptoms and support recovery.

Redness, swelling, and discharge are common signs of pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. The Epoch Times/Shutterstock

Ever woken up with your eyes red, itchy, or with crusty eyelids stuck together? That’s a sign of pink eye—a common eye infection caused by a virus or bacteria.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, occurs when the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye—becomes inflamed or infected, causing the eye to appear red or pink.