
If an allergy is the problem, a cool compress may feel better. Thoroughly clean your contacts and storage case.Ĭold compresses or warm compresses (whichever feels best) can be used. If you wear contacts, remove them and wear glasses until your symptoms have gone away completely.
OVER THE COUNTER PINK EYE MEDICINE FREE
Home treatment for pink eye will help reduce your pain and keep your eye free of drainage. For more information, see the topics Styes and Chalazia and Eyelid Problems (Blepharitis). Swollen, red eyelids may also be caused by styes, a lump called a chalazion, inflammation of the eyelid ( blepharitis), or lack of tears (dry eyes). For more information, see the topic Eye Problems, Non-Injury. Infection of the eye socket and areas around the eye.For more information, see the topics Eye Problems, Non-Injury and Glaucoma.

For more information, see the topic Eye Injuries. Scrapes, sores, or injury to or infection of deeper parts of the eye (for example, uveitis, iritis, or keratitis).For more information, see the topic Objects in the Eye. Foreign bodies, such as metal or insects.Red eye is a more general term that includes not only pink eye but also many other problems that cause redness on or around the eye, not just the lining. Prescription antibiotic treatment usually kills the bacteria that cause pink eye. The person can usually return to daycare, school, or work 24 hours after an antibiotic has been started if symptoms have improved. Bacterial infections usually last 7 to 10 days without antibiotic treatment and 2 to 4 days with antibiotic treatment. Swelling of the upper eyelid, which may make the lid appear to droop (pseudoptosis).īacterial pink eye may cause more drainage than viral pink eye.This drainage may cause the eyelashes to stick together. Some common infections that cause pink eye include: Bacterial pink eyeĪn infection may develop when bacteria enter the eye or the area around the eye. Home treatment of viral pink eye symptoms can help you feel more comfortable while the infection goes away. Pink eye caused by a herpes virus, which is rare, can be treated with an antiviral medicine. Medicines are not usually used to treat viral pink eye, so it is important to prevent the spread of the infection. If the pink eye is caused by a virus, the person can usually return to daycare, school, or work when symptoms begin to improve, typically in 3 to 5 days. Have a condition that decreases your body's ability to fight infection ( impaired immune system).Viral pink eye symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days but may last up to 3 weeks and can become ongoing or chronic. Clear or slightly thick, whitish drainage.Swollen and tender areas in front of the ears.Itching or burning feeling of the eyelids.The herpes virus can also cause viral pink eye.

Viral pink eye is often caused by an adenovirus, which is a common respiratory virus that can also cause a sore throat or upper respiratory infection. Sharing an object, such as a face cloth or towel, with a person who has pink eye can spread the infection. Poor handwashing is the main cause of the spread of pink eye. Since most pink eye is caused by viruses for which there is usually no medical treatment, preventing its spread is important. Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious and spread very easily.
