What Gets Rid of Pink Eye Fast?
Most Raleigh pink eye or conjunctivitis is resolved on its own within about week or two. The possible treatment options for pink eye which can be done at home is dependent on the type and severity of your pink eye infection.
You should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor immediately if any of the following conditions apply:
- Pain or vision problems
- Sensitivity to light
- Symptoms for a week or more, or condition is declining
- Eye is producing pus or mucus
- Other symptoms of an infection such as a fever or aches
Measles and Pink Eye
Because measles is returning to communities due to unvaccinated children, it is important to understand that pink eye can be one of the symptom of measles. Pink eye can appear prior to the measles rash or at the same time. The following can help indicate if pink eye is a sign of the measles:
- A reported measles outbreak in your area
- If the child is vaccinated for measles, it is highly unlikely measles pink eye is the cause.
- If other measles symptoms such as a red, blotchy rash or a high fever is present. Other forms of pink eye can cause a fever, this is especially common in children. A mild fever or a fever alone, is not a definite sign of measles.
- Sensitivity to regular, indoor light. Light-sensitivity is more likely to be a sign of measles-related pink eye. Indoor light sensitivity is a sign of a more serious eye condition which can cause permanent damage. Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
If there is a possibility of having measles-related pink eye, visit an ophthalmologist immediately and report the situation to your local health authorities. In some cases, measles can cause permanent damage to the cornea, retina or optic nerve which may result in vision loss or complete blindness.
Pink Eye Treatments At-Home
Patients who wear contact lenses should stop wearing them when they have a pink eye infection. Throw away any old contacts and use a new pair once the pink eye symptoms are gone. The old contacts are most likely infected and could cause the infection to return if you return to using the old contacts.
Patients should also stop wearing any eye makeup while they have the infection. Throw away any old eye makeup and purchase new makeup once the pink eye symptoms are gone.
It is possible you have allergic, viral or bacterial pink eye if one or both of your eyes are red and uncomfortable. In some cases, it is easy to determine what type of pink eye you have and in other cases, a doctor is needed to determine the cause.
Bacterial and Viral Treatments
Viral pink eye is similar to a common cold in the eye. There is no treatment for the virus and the virus will eventually go away on its own. Viral pink eye is typically resolved in about a week or two without the need for treatment.
Bacterial pink eye, however, typically produces more mucus or pus than the viral or allergic forms of pink eye. Bacterial pink eye can be treated through the use of antibiotics which must be prescribed by a doctor.
The following can help reduce the symptoms of bacterial or viral pink eye:
- Take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter medication for the pain
- Use lubricating or artificial tear eye drops which can be purchased over-the-counter
- Use a clean, washcloth with warm water and place it over your eyes for a few minutes at a time. This can also help loosen dried or crusty mucus on the eyelids