How To Treat Pink Eye

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye disorder that is easily spread through contact with another person’s eye. It is characterized by red, itchy, and swollen eyes. It is often accompanied by a sticky discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together, especially when you wake up in the morning. While it can be alarming, pink eye is usually not a serious condition and can usually be treated at home.

The first step in treating pink eye is to determine the underlying cause. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually caused by an allergy to pollen, pet dander, or other irritants. The most common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is itching and redness in the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by an infection and its symptoms may include yellow discharge and swelling. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus and may include a watery discharge.

Once you have determined the cause of your pink eye, it is important to take preventive measures to prevent the spread of the infection. This includes washing your hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing face towels, pillows, or contact lenses.

If your condition is caused by an allergy, the best way to treat it is to avoid exposure to the irritant causing the allergy. For bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication. In addition, you may also need to use an over-the-counter eye drop or ointment to soothe the itchiness and reduce the redness and swelling.

Finally, it is important to monitor your symptoms and make sure they are improving. If you don’t see any improvement after several days of treatment, consult your doctor.