Beat Pink Eye Quickly: Effective Remedies for Fast Relief

Overview of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that covers and protects the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye called the sclera. When the conjunctiva is inflamed, blood vessels become red and swollen. This gives the eye a red or pink appearance. That is why conjunctivitis is commonly called pink eye.

How To Get Rid of Pink Eye

Pink eye is commonly caused by a viral infection and goes away on its own in a few days with home remedies. Antibiotics are rarely needed to treat pink eye, except in the case of bacterial conjunctivitis. To get quick relief from a pink eye infection, you should:

• Use artificial tears to reduce eye discomfort.

• Clean your eyelids with a damp cloth.

• Apply cool compresses or warm compresses throughout the day.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses.

If your symptoms are caused by an irritant or allergies:

• Flush and clean the eye to wash out irritants.

• Use allergy eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis.

Pink Eye Causes and Transmission

Infectious Conjunctivitis: Viral and Bacterial Pink Eye

Viral pink eye typically is caused by adenoviruses but can also be caused by other viruses.

Bacterial pink eye is less common. Most bacterial infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial pink eye can also be due to a sexually transmitted infection such as Chlamydia. Wearing unclean contact lenses is another common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Both viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. They spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact with drainage from an infected person’s eye. Pink eye symptoms can start in one eye and spread to the other eye. Symptoms of pink eye are often accompanied by symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cold or sore throat. 

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs in response to an allergen such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. The symptoms occur because the body produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which trigger the release of inflammatory substances such as histamine in the eyes. Allergic pink eye typically affects both eyes and is not contagious. Learn more about Pink Eye Vs. Allergies.

Irritant Conjunctivitis

Chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pool water and foreign objects in the eye, such as bits of eye makeup, can irritate the conjunctiva. This can cause conjunctivitis symptoms such as eye pain, redness, watering, and discharge. 

If flushing the eye does not resolve the irritation, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for medical treatment. Severe chemical injuries to the eye are medical emergencies and can lead to scarring, permanent eye damage, and vision loss.

Common Symptoms of Pink Eye to Watch For

• Redness
• Itching
• Watering or tearing
• Grittiness
• Discharge and crusting 
• Light sensitivity

Differences Between Viral, Bacterial, and Allergic Conjunctivitis

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis cause very similar symptoms, including redness, itching, swelling, and discharge. However, viral conjunctivitis typically causes a thin, watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes a thicker green or yellow discharge in the affected eye. Discharge from bacterial pink eye can make your eyelids stick together, especially when you wake up from sleep. 

Allergic conjunctivitis can cause intense itching, watering, redness, and eyelid swelling. It may be accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing. 

Effective Treatment Options for Pink Eye

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Medicines

• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to ease discomfort.

• Apply a cool compress (washcloth soaked in cold water) several times a day to reduce redness and discomfort from itching and inflammation.

• Apply a warm compress (washcloth soaked in hot water) several times a day to reduce buildup of sticky discharge or crusting on your eyelids.

• If you wear contact lenses, discontinue use until your symptoms go away.

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can make pink eye symptoms worse.

Prescription Medications for Pink Eye

Most cases of conjunctivitis are viral and improve on their own. However, for severe cases and depending on the cause, your healthcare provider may prescribe:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial infections.

• Antiviral medicines for severe viral infections.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for inflammation and pain relief.

• Allergy medications such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.

• Topical steroid eye drops for severe allergic conjunctivitis or chemical conjunctivitis. 

Measures to Speed Up Recovery and Prevent Spread

To speed up recovery and avoid spreading pink eye, you should:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes with your hands.

• Avoid sharing towels or washcloths with others. Change your towels and washcloths daily if you have pink eye. Also, change your pillowcase frequently.

• Avoid sharing eye makeup and other personal items with others.

• Discard eye cosmetics, especially mascara, if you have pink eye.

• Avoid using testers at eye makeup counters in stores.

• Follow your eye doctor's instructions on contact lens hygiene.

How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

Bacterial conjunctivitis can last for up to 10 days. 

Viral conjunctivitis can last for up to 14 days. 

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs from exposure to an allergen. The symptoms can persist during an entire pollen season, for example. 

Can Pink Eye Clear Up Overnight? 

Pink eye cannot clear up overnight. However, you should start to notice an improvement in your symptoms after 3-4 days of treatment with antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Make sure you take the full course of antibiotics to prevent your pink eye from coming back. 

If you have viral conjunctivitis, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics as they are not effective against viral infections. Inappropriate use of antibiotics increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant bugs, making it more challenging to treat an infection later. This is a global health concern. 

With viral conjunctivitis, you just have to let the illness run its course. Non-drug approaches (cold or warm compress), artificial tears, and OTC pain relief are effective ways to reduce discomfort. 

How Long is Pink Eye Contagious?

Infectious conjunctivitis (viral and bacterial) is highly contagious while you have symptoms. You can return to work or allow your child to return to school once symptoms such as redness, discharge, and tearing are greatly improved.

Read our blog, “How Long Does Pink Eye Last? 8 Signs You’re Still Contagious.”

When to Consult a Doctor

Persistent or Worsening Pink Eye Symptoms

You should seek urgent medical care if you have persistent or worsening symptoms, eye pain, grittiness (a feeling that something is in your eye), blurred vision or other vision changes, or light sensitivity. These may be signs of a serious infection or something else going on with your eye. 

If your pink eye is related to contact lens use, stop wearing contact lenses as soon as symptoms of pink eye develop. Seek medical attention if the symptoms do not improve 24-48 hours after you stop contact lens use.

Risk Factors for Complications

Anyone can get conjunctivitis, but some people are at increased risk of getting it and/or experiencing serious complications. At-risk individuals include:

• People who have close contact with infected persons

• Those exposed to allergens

• Contact lens wearers, especially those who use extended-wear contact lenses

• Young children and older adults

• Those with a weakened immune system

How a Healthcare Professional Can Expedite Recovery

Most people recover from conjunctivitis (pink eye) with home remedies and self-care. However, a healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of (viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant) and recommend the appropriate pink eye treatment to give you faster relief. They can also prescribe medications such as antibiotics or steroid eye drops if needed.