How your pink eye is treated usually depends on the form of conjunctivitis you have. Your eye doctor may have taken a swab sample from your eye to help determine if your pink eye is viral or bacterial.
Viral conjunctivitis treatment
With viral conjunctivitis, pink eye symptoms can last from one to two weeks and then will disappear on their own. Discomfort, however, can be minimized with cool compresses applied to the eyes, which is usually the only treatment that is necessary.
Bacterial conjunctivitis treatment
For bacterial conjunctivitis, your Eye M.D. will typically prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat the infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis treatment
For allergic conjunctivitis, treatment often includes applying cool compresses to the eyes and taking antihistamines.
Practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis if you are infected. You should:
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your eyes with your hands.
- Avoid reusing towels, washcloths, handkerchiefs and tissues to wipe your face and eyes.
- Change your pillowcase frequently.
- Replace your eye cosmetics regularly with new ones, and do not share them with other people.
- Always clean your contact lenses properly.
Pink eye remedies
A compress applied to your closed eyelids can relieve some of the discomfort of pink eye. To make a compress, soak in water then wring out a clean, lint-free cloth. If you have conjunctivitis in one eye only, don't use the same cloth on both eyes so you won't spread the infection from one eye to the other. If you have bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, a warm compress is usually best. If your eyes are irritated by allergic conjunctivitis, try a cool water compress.
Over-the-counter lubricating eyedrops (artificial tears) may also provide relief from pink eye symptoms.
What Every Parent Should Know About "Pink Eye"
The American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to teach parents and educators how to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis in the classroom.
