Conjunctivitis, or red eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid). • Do not share personal items, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, eye or face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, or eyeglasses. To avoid getting sick again:• Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases, eye and face makeup that you used while your eyes were infected. The next time you wake up with a red, gritty, watery eye, don’t panic and don’t immediately reach for someone else’s eye drops. Most cases of conjunctivitis settle with time, hygiene and a little patience, but some red eyes are warning signs of something far more serious.