How long is pink eye contagious?

The Mayo Clinic states that pink eye is contagious as long as the eye is producing a discharge. Bacterial cases of pink eye may be contagious for up to 24 hours after starting treatment with antibiotics.

WebMD explains that pink eye is an inflammation of the clear tissue that covers the outer surface of the eye. Many cases of pink eye are caused by highly contagious viruses and bacteria. Symptoms of pink eye include redness of the eye, tearing of the eye, a crust that forms over the lashes during sleep and itchiness. Treatments for pink eye depend on the cause. Viral forms usually resolve on their own after four to seven days. Bacterial forms can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics.