What is pink eye, and how contagious is it really?

Viral infection: By far the most common pink eye is a viral infection of the lining of the eye (the conjunctiva) over the sclera (the white of the eye). It is contagious, irritating, may affect the vision a little and is very socially unacceptable. There are other causes of red eye, some serious. So you should see your ophthalmologist to get a diagnosis and proper treatment.