How to Treat Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a condition in which the eye becomes infected or irritated. Allergic reactions, viruses or bacterial infections can cause pink eye. It is a common disorder, and it can occur in all age groups. Here's how to treat the infection if you have contracted pink eye or you know someone else who has.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your doctor. He can help you determine the cause of your infection, as well as the best course of treatment, which can vary depending on the cause of pink eye.

• 2

  Rinse the infected eye with saline solution. A saline rinse can help loosen any particles in the eye that may be causing the irritation.

• 3

  Place a compress on the infected eye. The compress can be either cold or warm, and will make your eye feel better. Warm compresses can also help loosen any hard crust that may be on the infected eye.

• 4

  Put chamomile tea on the infected eye. A moist and cool chamomile tea bag placed on the closed infected eye for about ten minutes at a time, can also help relieve any discomfort or pain. You can do this every few hours as needed.

• 5

  Use artificial tears, a non-prescription product that's available at drug stores with other eye drops. Artificial tears can help lessen any burning or itching that may be associated with the pink eye. Follow the instructions on the artificial tears bottle for use.

• 6

  Take a prescribed medication. In some cases of pink eye, a doctor will prescribe either an antiviral or antibiotic medication. These medications are usually eye creams or eye drops.

• 7

  Use antihistamines if recommended by your doctor. In cases of allergy caused pink eye, antihistamines can help relieve your pink eye symptoms; antihistamine eye drops will help also.