Conjunctivitis Cures

When you get pink eye, or conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eye. When the eye becomes red or pink, this is due to the inflammation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva. According to the Mayo Clinic, conjunctivitis is the result of a bacterial or viral infection. Pink eye can be easily treated, though it is highly contagious. It is important to always wash your hands or use antibacterial, alcohol-based hand sanitizers in order to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• When you have conjunctivitis due to a bacterial infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to cure it. The medication may be in the form of eye drops or ointment. If you use an eye drop, the infection will clear within a few days. Ointments are more commonly used in children since it they easier to apply than eye drops. If using an ointment, the infection will clear up within one to two days after the first application. It is important to use the medication as your doctor prescribed it, as this will help to decrease the chances of getting a recurring infection.

Viral Conjuctivitis

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a viral infection of the eyes cannot be treated with eye drops or ointments. Fortunately, the symptoms with a viral conjunctivitis can be alleviated. Antihistamines such as Benadryl can help with the itching of the eyes. The eyes may get worse before they get better. Much like a cold, viral conjunctivitis needs to run its course, and it can take up to three weeks before the virus leaves.

Allergic Conjunctivits

• Allergic conjunctivitis is due to allergens, such as from an animal. Depending on the severity of the conjunctivitis, different eyedrops may be prescribed. There are eyedrops with antihistamines to help prevent itching. Steroidal and anti-inflammatory eyedrops may be prescribed to help alleviate any swelling associated with the conjunctivitis, while decongestants can be prescribed to also help with itching and swelling.

Cleaning

• Keeping the area of the conjunctivitis clean can help in healing. Using a wet cloth to clear the pus from the eye will help promote quicker healing of the infected eye. Never use the same cloth for eye cleaning multiple times, as the bacteria or virus can still be on the cloth. Always use a new, clean cloth for each eye cleaning. Only clean the outside of the infected area and use a gentle motion to sweep the pus out of the eye. Never lift the eyelid to try to clean the pus, as this can irritate your conjunctiva further.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the Mayo Clinic, proper hygiene is important to follow in order to prevent the spread of pink eye. Never touch your eyes with your hands if you have touched surfaces such as doorknobs or escalators. Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizers. Never share your towels with others and change and clean your pillowcases often. Discard eye cosmetics, such as mascara and eyeliners, after six weeks, as this will help to minimize eye infections. If you use contacts, follow instructions on how to properly care for them. Not following instructions for contact care increases your chances for eye infections, particularly conjunctivitis.

Home Remedies

• Using compresses for the eyes helps aid in the healing of conjunctivitis. Warm compresses can help alleviate any swelling. Try not to rub your eyes, as this aggravates and promotes in swelling of the eyes. Over the counter eyedrops such as Naphcon-A and Opcon-A contain antihistamines that help to constrict blood vessels within the eyes.