How long pink eye heal

However, this is not always necessary. To help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by conjunctivitis, you can use cold compresses and artificial tears, which you can purchase over the counter without a prescription. If you did not need to see a doctor, do not wear your contacts until you no longer have symptoms of pink eye.

Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis. For example, conjunctivitis caused by herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus. Keratoconjunctivitis is a group of inflammatory eye conditions involving the cornea and the conjunctiva.

Here's what you need to know about diagnosing…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. Quick-acting treatments In newborns What not to do See a doctor Takeaway You wake up in the morning and open your eyes… at least you try to.

Quick-acting treatments. How to treat pink eye in newborns. What not to do if you have pink eye. When to see a doctor. The takeaway. Read this next. The Best Pink Eye Remedies. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.

Most of the time pink eye is mild and will improve on its own, with or without treatment. More serious cases may need treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medicines.

Practicing good hand-washing hygiene and not sharing personal items can prevent the spread of pink eye. Pink eye is a common eye infection, especially in children. Learn more about the best remedies for pink eye, and when to see a doctor. Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen. Your eyes may become red, itchy, and watery. Pink eye is a contagious eye infection. You're contagious for as long as you're experiencing symptoms such as watery eyes and discharge.

You may need…. Antibiotics only work to treat pink eye that's caused by bacteria. Here's why they shouldn't be your first line of defense, and when you may consider…. Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines your eyelid due to an allergic reaction, rather than an infection.

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