Treatment and When to See an Eye Doctor
Treatment Options for Pink Eye
Treatment depends on the cause. Common viral pink eye has no cure and runs its course, and a compress on closed lids and artificial tears can help with the discomfort. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medicine for more serious viral forms. Bacterial pink eye can clear on its own when mild, and antibiotic drops or ointment may shorten it and lower the chance of spreading it. Allergic pink eye improves when the allergen is removed, and allergy eye drops help with the itch. Antibiotic drops do nothing for viral or allergic pink eye, which is one more reason to know the type first. Leave contact lenses out until the eye has cleared and your eye doctor gives the go-ahead.
When to See an Eye Doctor
See an eye doctor promptly if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision that does not clear when you wipe away discharge, or intense redness. The same goes for symptoms that get worse, bacterial pink eye that has not improved after a day of antibiotic drops, a weakened immune system, or pink eye while wearing contact lenses. A newborn with pink eye symptoms should be seen right away. A chemical splash of something strong is an emergency room visit, after rinsing with plenty of clean water.
