How Is Pink Eye Treated?
If you have pink eye, the type of treatment you’ll receive will depend on the type of infection you have. Viral: Much like the common cold, there is no cure, but symptoms usually can be relieved without a prescription. Instead, cool compresses and artificial tears can help relieve the symptoms. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce discomfort. Allergic: Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes help with itching and burning. If you have a more serious case, your healthcare practitioner may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or antihistamine pills or eye drops. Bacterial: You may receive a prescription for antibiotic eye drops or ointments and, if there are other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or earache, an antibiotic taken by mouth. If a discharge buildup occurs while you sleep and keeps you from opening your eye(s), place a warm washcloth on your eye(s) to get rid of the discharge. GPC: You’ll need to stop wearing your cont
