Conjunctivitis, or pink eye as it is more commonly known, is the result of an infection or inflammation that affects the white part of the eyeball. The white part of the eyeball will appear to be either a pink or red color due to the transparent membrane that covers it, known as the conjunctiva, experiencing inflammation of the small blood vessels. This makes them more visible against the whites of the eye. The common causes of pink eye include an infection that is either bacterial or viral, an allergic reaction or a tear duct that hasn’t completely opened in babies. Additionally, it can be caused by a splash of chemicals hitting the eye or a foreign object coming into contact with the eye. Cases of pink eye caused by a bacterial or viral infection can occur in conjunction with a cold or respiratory infection, with both types being highly contagious. Bacterial causes can be caused through the use of improperly cleaned contacts or wearing contacts belonging to someone else. Viral cases can be caused by a variety of viruses including adenovirus, herpes simplex, and varicella-zoster, among others.