What is the medical term for 'pink eye'?

What is the medical term for “pink eye”? The medical term is conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner eyelids. Inflammation makes the eye look pink or red and may cause watering, irritation, itching, swelling, or discharge. It can affect one eye or both.

Several different problems can produce conjunctivitis. Viruses are common in adults, bacteria are especially common among children, and allergies can trigger intense itching and tearing without an infection. Viral and bacterial forms can spread through contaminated hands, towels, or close contact, so handwashing is an important preventive measure.

A common mistake is assuming every red eye is conjunctivitis or that every case needs antibiotic drops. Many viral cases resolve without specific treatment, while allergic cases require a different approach. Severe pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or contact-lens use can signal a more serious condition and warrants medical evaluation. Blepharitis affects the eyelid margins, uveitis affects internal eye structures, and keratitis affects the cornea.