Allergic conjunctivitis Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops can help relieve itching and redness. Avoiding allergens and using cold compresses can also provide some relief. In some cases, your doctor may recommend oral antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Mild bacterial pink eye may get better without antibiotic treatment and without causing any complications. It usually clears up in 2 to 5 days without treatment but can take 2 weeks to go away completely.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Use erythromycin eye ointment as directed by your provider. Don't stop using it before you complete treatment, even if you feel better. If you stop using erythromycin eye ointment too soon, your infection might come back or become harder to treat.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Pink eye is usually contagious for 10–14 days . People should wash their hands frequently and avoid close contact with others to reduce the risk of transmission.
Some OTC medications may help relieve the pain of pink eye but will not cure it. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help with inflammation. Allergy medication may also relieve the symptoms of allergic pink eye.
Third stage
Most affected eyes heal completely; in some, scarring results in a small bluish-white spot remaining in the centre of the cornea. In about 2% of cases, the affected eye remains blue and the animal remains blind in that eye. Scarring often results in a bluish-white spot.
Tetrahydrozoline, which is found in drops such as Visine. Tetrahydrozoline is a decongestant that, like naphazoline, clears redness caused by allergy, exhaustion, and irritation. Visine products are available for purchase online.
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.