If you or your child has pinkeye, you may be tempted to rush to the doctor right away. But you might not have to. Allergies, viruses, and bacteria can cause pinkeye, which is also called conjunctivitis. It makes one or both of your eyes red and itchy. The affected eye will drain a lot or have a white or yellowish discharge. The symptoms may last a week
or 10 days, maybe longer, but they sometimes go away without medical treatment. There are some simple steps you can take to feel better, no matter what’s causing your pinkeye. Pinkeye caused by a virus might start in one eye and spread to the other. It will
usually go away on its own in a week or two. Your doctor can give you medication to treat more serious viruses like herpes simplex or varicella zoster. You’ll probably have more mucus or pus if bacteria cause your pinkeye. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics, usually eye drops. Mild cases may get better on their own in a few days. If mucus is making your eyelids stick together, use a warm washcloth to
loosen them. Pinkeye caused by an allergy usually gets better after you limit contact with the allergen. Your doctor can give you tests to identify the problem. Allergic pinkeye isn’t contagious. You can go to work or school without worrying about giving it to someone else. Wash clothes and pillowcases often. It might also help to shower or bathe before bed. Ask your
doctor about medicines that might help. They can recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs including: Red or swollen eyes could also be caused by a stye -- which often
looks like a pimple or red area on your eyelid -- or some other kind of inflammation. It also could be a different type of allergic reaction. If your eye isn’t better after you try home remedies for a few days, call your doctor. You also should check with your doctor if you have: If pinkeye has invaded your home, take steps to help keep it from spreading to everyone else. The two most important things for everyone in your household to remember are: It’s also helpful to change towels and pillowcases often, and wash them in hot water. Never share towels or pillows with someone who has pinkeye.Treating Different Types of Pinkeye
Viral Pinkeye Treatment
Bacterial Pinkeye Treatment
Allergic Pinkeye Treatment
When to See a Doctor
Pinkeye Prevention
What are the different types of pinkeye medicines?
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) can be caused by bacteria, allergies, or viruses.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is most often treated with ophthalmic antibiotic eye drops or ointments such as
- Bleph (sulfacetamide sodium),
- Moxeza (moxifloxacin),
- Zymar (gatifloxacin),
- Romycin (erythromycin),
- Polytrim (polymyxin/trimethoprim),
- Ak-Tracin,
- Bacticin (bacitracin),
- AK-Poly-Bac,
- Ocumycin,
- Polycin-B,
- Polytracin Ophthalmic,
- Polysporin Ophthalmic (polymyxin-bacitracin),
- Besivance (besifloxacin),
- Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin),
- Quixin, Iquix (levofloxacin),
- Ocuflox (ofloxacin), or
- AzaSite (azithromycin).
For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamines such as
- Patanol,
- Pataday (olopatadine), Lastacaft (alcaftadine),
- Bepreve (bepotastine),
- Optivar (azelastine HCl),
- Elestat (epinastine),
- Ketotifen (ketotifen fumarate), and
- Emadine (emedastine), or
- mast cell stabilizers such as
- Opticrom (cromolyn sodium),
- Alocril (nedocromil),
- Alomide (lodoxamide tromethamine), and
- Alamast (pemirolast) may be prescribed to treat allergy symptoms such as itching of the eye.
Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require specific antiviral treatments, however over-the-counter topical antihistamines and decongestants (Naphcon-A, Ocuhist) may help relieve symptoms.
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See ImagesWhat are common side effects of pinkeye medications?
Side effects of ophthalmic antibiotic ointments or drops used to treat pinkeye include
- temporary stinging or burning of the eyes when first applied and
- temporary blurred or unstable vision after applying eye ointment.
More serious side effects include
- rash,
- itching or burning eyes,
- redness/pain or swelling in or around the eyes, and
- vision problems.
Side effects of antihistamines include
- dry mouth,
- drowsiness,
- dizziness,
- nausea and vomiting,
- restlessness or moodiness (in some children),
- trouble urinating,
- blurred vision, or confusion.
Ophthalmic mast cell stabilizers may cause
- burning,
- stinging, or
- blurred vision when applied.
Where can people find more information about side effects of prescription pinkeye drugs?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Always consult your doctor if you are having unexplained symptoms or questions related to your medications. For more information about the side effects of pinkeye medications, search for the drug and click on the drug's "Side Effects Center" on the top left side of the page.
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References
Reviewed by:
William Baer, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmology