Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of those pesky afflictions that can turn a typical day into an itchy, blurry disaster in a matter of minutes. If your eyes are bloodshot, watery, and have the sensation of having been scrubbed by sandpaper, you’re certainly not alone. Pink eye is just incredibly widespread—and luckily, most instances are more annoying than perilous. Knowing how to treat it, however, can get you back on track sooner and spare you undue discomfort.
Let’s begin with what it feels and looks like. Pink eye most commonly appears as redness, puffiness, and occasionally a sticky discharge that causes your eyelids to stick together when you wake up. Viruses, bacteria, or allergies can trigger it. The silver lining? Most of the time, these resolve on their own. Meanwhile, though, there are a few easy things you can do to get relief.
One of the best treatments for calming your eyes is to apply over-the-counter artificial tears to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, you can try applying a cool or warm compress—just apply a clean, damp cloth to your closed eyelids. If you use contact lenses, it’s wise to stop wearing them until your symptoms are resolved. Wait until your eyes feel normal and a physician clears you, the CDC advises. If you didn’t visit a doctor, wait until the symptoms of pink eye are completely resolved before you resume wearing your contacts. And remember to dispose of any disposable lenses, eye make-up, or cases you were using before symptom appearance, because they can transfer the infection.
So, when do you go see a doctor? If your eyes are severely hurting, you’re extremely sensitive to light, your vision remains foggy even after you’ve wiped away discharge, or the redness is severe, it’s probably worth going in. And if your symptoms are worsening or simply refuse to disappear—or if your immune system is compromised—it’s time to call your doctor. And if a newborn shows evidence of pink eye, don’t delay. Get medical help at once.
Most pink eye is brought on by viruses, so antibiotics won’t do any good. Viral pink eye typically begins in one eye and moves to the other, but it typically resolves on its own in two to three weeks, as the Mayo Clinic says. With herpes simplex virus causing pink eye, antiviral medication is sometimes given.
Bacterial pink eye, however, may be treatable with antibiotic eye ointments or drops, particularly if there is a great deal of discharge or if you have a compromised immune system. While mild cases will resolve on their own, antibiotics can reduce the time to recovery and prevent transmission to other people.
Then there’s allergic conjunctivitis, another ball game altogether. If pollen, dust, cat or dog dander, or some other allergen is the culprit behind your symptoms, staying away from the culprit is the best solution. Allergy medications and specialty eye drops—some OTC, some by prescription—can treat the inflammation and itching. Depending on the severity of your reaction, your doctor may recommend antihistamines, decongestants, or anti-inflammatory drops.
No matter what type of pink eye you’re dealing with, a few hygiene habits can help stop it from spreading. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels, pillowcases, or cosmetics. If you’re using compresses, use a different cloth for each eye to avoid spreading the infection from one to the other.
If you do go see the doctor, be prepared. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, whether or not you have contacts, and if you’ve been exposed to anyone who’s ill. It’s a good idea to write down any medication you’re currently taking and any questions you have so you don’t forget during the visit.
Pink eye can certainly be a nuisance, but with proper care and a little patience, it doesn’t have to dominate your life. If you’re unsure, your healthcare provider is always the best one to walk you through recovery and ensure that you’re on the right path.