Over-the-Counter Pink Eye Medication and Remedies

over the counter pink eye medicine

Can I Treat Pink Eye Over the Counter?

Pink eye can usually be managed at home, but it sometimes requires medical attention.

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is inflammation of your conjunctiva, the moist layer of transparent tissue that lines your eyelids and the outer part of your eyeball.

Pink eye can have many causes, but the most common are:

Symptoms are usually similar no matter the underlying cause. They can include:

  • pink or red eye whites
  • swollen and puffy eyes
  • increased tears
  • sensation that something is in your eye
  • itching or burning
  • eye discharge
  • crust on your eyelids and eyelashes
  • discomfort when wearing contacts

Let’s examine how you can treat pink eye yourself and when you should see a doctor.

Pink eye is a collection of symptoms caused by inflammation of your conjunctiva. You don’t always need to see a doctor when you have pink eye since symptoms often go away on their own. Here are the typical time frames depending on the cause:

  • Viral pink eye usually goes away within 7 to 14 days .
  • Bacterial pink eye often clears up within 2 to 5 days .
  • Allergic pink eye often goes away within hours of removing the allergen trigger.

You can help support your body’s natural healing process and reduce your symptoms with home remedies like the following.

Use a cool compress or warm compress

You can make a cool compress by soaking a clean washcloth in cool water, wringing it out, and applying it to your eye for a few minutes to soothe inflammation and irritation.

Some people also find it soothing to use a warm compress. You can make a warm compress in the same way, but it’s important not to use water that’s too hot.

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Over-the-counter eye drops for conjunctivitis

Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, also called fake or artificial tears, are available at most pharmacies and supermarkets. You can apply them to your eyes to keep them lubricated and soothe irritation.

You can apply preservative-free eyedrops as often as you need, but it’s generally a good idea to apply eye drops with preservatives no more than four times per day to avoid irritation.

Be careful not to share eyedrop bottles with other people to prevent the spread of infection.

Avoid wearing contacts and eye makeup

Wearing contacts and eye makeup can cause you to touch your eyes and spread whatever is causing symptoms. You can pass infections to your other eye or to other people.

Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and take ibuprofen

Getting plenty of rest and eating a balanced diet can help you support your body’s natural healing process.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help you reduce inflammation and discomfort.

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