
Some eyedrops contain antihistamines or other medicines that can be helpful for people with allergic conjunctivitis. Nonprescription eye drops called artificial tears may relieve symptoms. This reduces the risk of spreading pink eye from one eye to the other. If pink eye affects only one eye, don't touch both eyes with the same cloth. Generally, a cool water compress will feel the most soothing, but you also can use a warm compress if that feels better to you. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. To help you cope with the symptoms of pink eye until it goes away, try to: You might reduce the severity of your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms by avoiding whatever causes your allergies.

Ask your provider about the best option for you. Nonprescription versions of these medicines also may be effective. Or your provider may recommend medicines to help control inflammation, such as decongestants, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops. These may include medicines that help control allergic reactions, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your health care provider may prescribe one of many different types of eye drops for people with allergies. Your symptoms should gradually clear on their own.Īntiviral medicines may be an option if your viral conjunctivitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Viral conjunctivitis often begins in one eye and then infects the other eye within a few days. This typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks. Instead, the virus needs time to run its course. They may even cause harm by reducing their effectiveness in the future or causing a medicine reaction. Since conjunctivitis is usually viral, antibiotics won't help. In most cases, you won't need antibiotic eye drops. Also replace any eye makeup used before your illness.

Ask your provider if you should discard and replace your contact lens accessories, such as the lens case used before or during the illness. Your provider will likely recommend that you throw out soft contacts you've already worn.ĭisinfect hard lenses overnight before you reuse them. If you wear contact lenses, you'll be advised to stop wearing them until treatment is complete. Applying cold or warm compresses several times daily.Cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth.Use a new washcloth for a second application or clean the washcloth prior to reuse.Pink eye treatment is usually focused on symptom relief. Use the moist warm compress for about 5 to 20 minutes at least once a day or as directed by your eye doctor. If you prefer the towel a little more wet, then bend over a sink or bowl instead so the water doesn’t get into your eyes.Įither roll up the washcloth or fold it into a rectangle and apply it to your eyelids with gentle pressure. Get comfortable by laying down and closing your eyes. Squeeze out excess water but keep it moist.

If you have Engineer personality disorder, 104 degrees Fahrenheit is the goal (just kidding I love you guys).ĭip a clean washcloth in the hot water. You want it to be about standard hot tub temperature or whatever you can personally tolerate. To make a homemade moist warm compress for your eyes, grab a clean washcloth and a large bowl and do the following:įill the bowl with hot water (NOT BOILING).
