Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Inflammation - conjunctiva; Pink eye
Treatment
Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause.
Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment. It may disappear on its own when the
Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Many doctors give a mild antibiotic eyedrop for pink eye to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis.
You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses (clean cloths soaked in warm water) to your closed eyes.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is usually good with treatment.
Complications
Reinfection within a household or school may occur if you don't follow preventive measures.
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your symptoms last longer than 3 or 4 days.
Images
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Review Date: 08/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
