Pinkeye that's caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there's discharge from the eye — or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started. Conjunctivitis that's caused by a virus is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain so as long as the symptoms last.
Viral pink eye, the most common type, usually gets better in 1 to 2 weeks without medicine. Sometimes, it can take 3 weeks or more to heal. Remember, antibiotics don't help viral pink eye. Bacterial pink eye usually gets better in 2 to 5 days, but it can take 2 weeks or more to go away completely.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge throughout the day. They will feel itchy, and the eyelids may become swollen. Viral Conjunctivitis normally causes a watery discharge during the day and present with sticky discharge in the morning. The eyelids may become very swollen.
Patient counseling. Advise patients to remain home if they have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis with systemic signs of illness, especially if they cannot avoid close contact with others. Patients may return to work or school after any indicated therapy is implemented.
Viral conjunctivitis
People may use OTC artificial tears 4 times per day . People can look for preservative-free artificial tears, which they may be able to use up to 10 times per day. If the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is causing conjunctivitis, people may use eye drops containing trifluridine (Viroptic).
Pink Eye in Toddlers and Children
This condition is best treated by over the counter medications such as Benadryl, and allergy eye drops. Keeping the windows closed and showering at the end of each day during the allergy seasons would help your child as well.
“Germ-caused conjunctivitis intensifies when your eyes are closed. That's why it tends to get worse at night when you're asleep,” says Petersen. “To combat that, put any prescribed antibiotic ointment in your eyes before you go to bed. That way it will prevent crusting.”
Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, towels and washcloths in hot water and detergent. Change them frequently. Avoid wearing eye makeup until the infection goes away. Throw out old eye makeup, makeup tools and any makeup used just before the start of the infection.
Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup you used while infected. Replace contact lens solutions that you used while your eyes were infected. Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases that were used while your eyes were infected. Clean extended wear lenses as directed.
Carefully clean the eye area with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. Gently put cool compresses on the eye. If your doctor suggests it, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort (check the label for how much to give and how often).
Tears most often protect the eyes by washing away germs and irritants. Tears contain proteins and antibodies that kill germs. If your eyes are dry, germs and irritants are more likely to cause problems.
Whatever kind of pink eye you have, don't use red-reducing eye drops, like Visine. These kinds of eye drops may be very uncomfortable if you have an infection. They also could make your symptoms worse.
Viral pink eye is usually highly contagious for 10–14 days. In some cases, it can take three weeks or more to heal.
Artificial tears are often the first OTC treatments recommended by doctors. Preservative-free tears can help reduce eye inflammation and dryness that accompanies pink eye. OTC antihistamine, decongestant and vasoconstrictor eye drops can reduce the redness and irritation of viral pink eye.
Pink eye is extremely common, and is something that you usually don't need to go to urgent care for. Rather, you can wait until the next morning and be seen in the office. Many cases of pink eye are viral and don't require antibiotics at all. There are three different types of pink eye.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis cause similar symptoms, including redness, swelling, itching, and discharge. However, viral conjunctivitis usually causes a thin, watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis causes a thicker discharge.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given topically as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial pink eye. Antibiotics may help shorten the length of infection, reduce complications, and prevent the spread to others.
Another thing “that you can do if you're worried about surfaces that you're touching: use a bleach-based cleaner,” Dr. Ingraham said. Widely available wipes and sprays “that are based with bleach that will kill most of the viruses on surfaces.”
There are eye conditions with similar symptoms to pink eye. It's common to mistake allergies, styes, iritis, keratitis, and blepharitis for it. They can have different causes and require different treatments. Protect your eye health by setting up an exam with our team.