Viral
The most common type, often alongside a cold. It is contagious and usually clears on its own, but we confirm it is viral and help you manage it safely.
Guildford Eye Clinic · Urgent eye care · Surrey, BC
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, makes the eye red, weepy, and sometimes crusty. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergic, and each type is treated differently. We diagnose which kind you have and treat it, often the same day, inside Specsavers Guildford Town Centre.
Not all the same
The most common type, often alongside a cold. It is contagious and usually clears on its own, but we confirm it is viral and help you manage it safely.
Often produces thicker discharge and may need antibiotic drops. It is contagious, so getting the right treatment helps you recover and protect others.
Itchy, watery, and not contagious, this comes from allergens. Treatment focuses on calming the allergic response rather than fighting an infection.
Stop the spread
Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread easily. Wash your hands often, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, do not share towels or pillows, and stay home from school or work if advised. Allergic pink eye does not spread.
Because the types look similar but need different care, it is worth a quick exam rather than guessing. This page is part of our urgent eye care in Surrey.
When to see us
See us promptly if there is eye pain, a change in vision, strong light sensitivity, lots of discharge, or if it is a baby or young child. Contact lens wearers should remove their lenses and be seen, since infections can be more serious for them.
A medically necessary visit like pink eye is covered by MSP for all ages, and we bill MSP directly where it applies.
Good to know
Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread easily through hands, towels, and shared items. Wash your hands, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels or pillows. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
Viral pink eye often clears on its own over one to two weeks, while bacterial pink eye usually improves quickly with the right drops. Allergic pink eye settles once the allergen and symptoms are managed. We confirm the type so you know what to expect.
Not always. Antibiotics help bacterial pink eye but do nothing for the viral or allergic types, which are more common. That is why we diagnose the type before treating, rather than using leftover drops.
Yes. A medically necessary eye visit such as pink eye is covered by MSP for all ages. We bill MSP directly where it applies.
Related services
Same-day urgent care when a doctor is available. Learn more.
We find the cause and treat it, often same day. Learn more.
Pain, discharge, or swelling checked promptly. Learn more.
The right treatment for the right type
We diagnose the type and treat it, often the same day. Covered by MSP as a medically necessary visit. Call (604) 229-9627, or book online.
Book online