Eye drops for conjunctivitis are a type of treatment. While someone with conjunctivitis may benefit from using over-the-counter eye drops, there are also prescription eye drops that are used for some types of conjunctivitis. Over-the-counter eye drops may help alleviate dryness and provide some relief for people with viral or allergic conjunctivitis. The doctor may prescribe eye drops for conjunctivitis.

There are three types of eye drops that may be used for allergic conjunctivitis. Ocular antihistamines decrease redness and itchiness. These eye drops are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Ocular decongestants reduce redness by constricting the blood vessels in the eye. These eye drops should not be used for more than a few days.

Another type of eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis is ocular steroids. These need to be used carefully since they can increase the pressure inside the eyeball and cause damage. Ocular steroids can increase the risk of cataracts.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for bacterial infections. Viral conjunctivitis will not benefit from the use of antibiotic eye drops or ointment since antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

When applying eye drops, the tip of the eye dropper should not touch the eye, eyelashes, eyelid, or the skin around the eye. This could contaminate the container of eye drops. Contaminated eye drops can prolong pink eye or spread pink eye to others. Eye drops should not be shared.

Adults can apply eye drops by tilting back their heads and pulling the lower eyelid down slightly. The eye drops can be dropped into the lower eyelid. It can be difficult to administer eye drops to young children. Perhaps the easiest way to administer eye drops to young children is the have the child first lie down with their eyes closed. With the child’s eyes closed, the correct amount of eye drops can be dropped in the inner corner of the eye. When the child relaxes and opens the eyes, the eye drops will run into the eye.

Before and after applying eye drops for conjunctivitis to themselves or someone else, the person should wash their hands with soap and water. People using eye drops for conjunctivitis should not wear contact lenses during treatment until the conjunctivitis has cleared. Eye drops should not be used for longer than prescribed. Using too much or using eye drops for too long can actually worsen the condition.