Is Pink Eye Actually Pink?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of your eyes to appear reddish or pink.

Is pink eye always pink?

People often call conjunctivitis “pink eye” because it can cause the white of the eye to take on a pink or red color. Symptoms of pink eye can vary but typically include redness or swelling of the white of the eye.

Is it actually pink eye?

Most people think they know what pink eye is, but there are many misconceptions about it. Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. The condition is most closely associated with redness and itchiness of the eyes.