How Do You Treat Pink Eye?

In the US, about 6 million people get pink eye annually.

Pink eye is a common ailment that affects people of all ages. In children, pink eye can cause them to miss school, and you may even have to take time off work to care for them. As a parent, a child with pink eye can also be challenging to care for.

With the proper treatment, kids can get better in two to three days. If you get pink eye, you can take care of it within a few days.

You can use several home remedies for pink eye in the meantime. For more on how do you treat pink eye, keep on reading!

Don’t Wear Contacts

Wait to wear contacts until the infection is cleared up. Contacts can increase the risk of infection and spread bacteria between the contact lens and the eye. If you have already been wearing contact lenses, dispose of them and get new ones. 

Apply Hot Compress

An effective pink eye remedy is applying a hot compress to the affected eye for 10 minutes at a time, several times a day. It can help reduce pain and swelling.

Before applying the compress, wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water. Make sure to use a clean cloth for the compress.

Soak the cloth in a solution made from 500 ml of boiled, then cooled water and 1 tsp of table salt. Layer the cloth on the affected area and press it gently.

You should do it no more than 3 to 4 times daily, as your doctor advises. Hot compresses can also increase blood flow to the area, allowing the eyes to heal faster. However, contact your doctor immediately if symptoms don’t improve or worsen.

Use Eye Drops

You can use over-the-counter eye drops for mild cases as long as they are labeled for pink eye. Most eye drops should be applied at least four times a day, although you may need more depending on the severity of the pink eye.

It is essential to continue using the drops even if the pink eye no longer appears present, as it may not be completely gone. It is also essential to follow any other instructions the doctor may have given when prescribing the eye drops. Also, avoid sharing eye drops or makeup within your home as this can further spread the infection.

There are also many eye problems, like a ring light associated eye strain, that can affect your vision. Make sure to visit an eye specialist for your checkup and to ensure you’re getting what you need.

Wash Your Eyes

Begin using a warm washcloth or cotton ball dipped in clean water or a saline solution. Hold the wet cloth over your eyes for a few minutes daily to encourage drainage. Additionally, using gentle soap and water to clean your eyelids can help remove any discharge or oil from around your eyes.

Essential Tips on How Do You Treat Pink Eye

Treating pink eye with home care and medication depends on the cause, and you should consider medical treatment if complications arise. Overall, regular hygiene and proper medication use can often relieve your symptoms. If you have any further questions, speak with your doctor about how do you treat pink eye to ensure a fast recovery.

Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from pink eye. Don’t let it spread; seek treatment now!

Have this article helped you out? For more information, check out the rest of our blog!