Mild conjunctivitis, while uncomfortable, may resolve on its own.
This article discusses treatments for pink eye.
Whatever the underlying cause, mild cases may not require treatment.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
While you wait, home remedies can be used to ease discomfort.
They can also be used in tandem with medications prescribed for other forms of pink eye.
Many people find relief with the use of either a cool or warmcompress.
If your pink eye is due to an allergy, cool compresses can help relieve the itchiness and burning.
If it has a viral or bacterial cause, a warm compress can remove crusting and soothe irritation.
Also, avoid any eye drops not approved for ophthalmic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Non-disposable contacts can be disinfected overnight using a hydrogen peroxide solution for contact lenses.
Ask your eye doctor for guidance.
Prescriptions
Certain forms of conjunctivitis may greatly benefit from prescription medication, while others require it.
If the condition is severe, newer-generationfluoroquinoloneeye drops may be prescribed.
Oral antibiotics are generally reserved for severe infections, such as those caused bygonorrheaorchlamydia.
The most commonly prescribed antibiotic medications include:
Whilecorticosteroideye drops may be prescribed, their use remains controversial.
They also can cause eye pressure to rise, leading to glaucoma and optic nerve damage.
Treating Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is the jot down most familiar to parents with school-aged children.
In the rare event that complications ensue, a topical antiviral such as cidofovir may be prescribed.
Treatment may involve a watch-and-wait approach if the condition is mild.
Switching fromhard lenses to soft lensesmay also prevent recurrence.
A seven-day course of systemic antibiotics would also be prescribed.
Ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and penicillin are effective options.
Seek medication attention if you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, or vision changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
you could see yourprimary carehealthcare provider for pink eye.
andblurry vision, or if your immune system is weak due to cancer treatment or a chronic illness.
The healthcare provider may refer you to an optometrist orophthalmologistif you need special care.
This depends on the cause.
Yes, if it’s triggered by a viral infection, it will need to run its course.
Viral conjunctivitis can be spread to other people before it causes symptoms and for as long as symptoms last.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is consideredcontagiousuntil 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment.
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