The availability for medical treatment for pink eye depends on the cause of the condition. Pink eye can be caused by allergies, bacterial infection, viral infection, or exposure to smoke, chemicals, or fumes. Pink eye caused by a bacterial infection in the only kind of pink eye that is usually treated with prescription medication.

Pink eye caused by a viral infection may be medically treated if the virus causing the infection is herpes. In the cases caused by a herpes infection, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication for viral pink eye treatment. If the other kinds of pink eye doe not respond to non-medicated treatments, they may be treated with medication at the doctor’s discretion.

Most pink eye treatment is focused on alleviating the symptoms of pink eye. Because pink eye can be quite uncomfortable, people may want to do things to reduce the discomfort. Cold compresses and over-the-counter antihistamines can help some cases of pink eye. Antihistamines may help if the pink eye is caused by allergies or if the person has been diagnosed with giant papillary conjunctivitis.

If the person is experiencing pain with the pink eye, over-the-counter pain relievers may be used. One treatment for pink eye is the use of eye drops. If the physician determines that the pink eye is due to a bacterial infection, the physician may prescribe medicated eye drops. Eye drops that are available over-the-counter may help some types of pink eye such as allergic conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Pink eye treatment includes keeping the eye area clean. While plain water is sufficient for cleaning the eyes of children with pink eye, some adults like to use a little baby shampoo when cleaning their eyes. Whenever someone with pink eye washes or touches their eyes, they should wash their hands before and after doing so.

Besides cold compresses, some people like to use tea bags as compresses for pink eye treatment. Green tea bags and chamomile tea bags are sometimes used. After allowing the tea bag to sit in hot water for a minute or two, people squeeze out some of the excess water and place it on the eyelid. After the tea bag cools off, it is squeezed over the eye.

Before people use home remedies or place things on or in their eyes, they should consult a doctor. Without treatment, most cases of pink eye clear up on their own within ten days. If a case of pink eye persists, the person should contact the doctor.