Host: What are the symptoms of pinkeye?

Dr. Laura D. Cook: Pinkeye itself is generally self explanatory to some degree. The eye turns pink or red, the surface of the eye is inflamed. You can also have tearing, mild discharge, irritation, some mild light sensitivity, those all go along with the diagnosis. It depends on how severe it is. If it's just mild irritation, mild redness, no trouble with your vision, no pain, most people don't seek medical attention or they may go to their primary care physician. If patients have significant light sensitivity, if they have decreased vision, significant pain, then we encourage them to call their ophthalmologist and let the ophthalmologist determine whether they need to be seen that day or followed.