Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually caused by viruses, bacteria or an allergy. The conjunctiva may be inflamed due to an allergic reaction to dust, mold, animal dander or pollen, and may be irritated by the action of wind, dust, smoke or other types of agents that accumulate into air pollution. You may also experience irritation due to a common cold or a measles outbreak. The ultraviolet light of an electric arc weld, a solar lamp or even the intense sunlight reflected in the snow can irritate the conjunctiva.