What is the incubation period for pink eye?

The incubation period for bacterial pink eye is 24 to 72 hours, and the incubation period for viral pink eye is 12 hours to three days, claims the Indiana State Department of Health. An incubation period is the time between exposure and the start of symptoms, states All About Vision.

An incubation period is the time between exposure and the start of symptoms, states All About Vision. Pink eye is commonly transmitted through close contact of conjunctivitis discharge and is contagious as much as 14 days after infection, says the Indiana Department of Health.

Topical antibiotic ointments and eye drops treat bacterial pink eye. Viral pink eye has to heal on its own, according to All About Vision.