Overview

Pink eye is redness and swelling of the eye surface and the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelid and the covering of the white part of the eye). Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis. Pink eye is often caused by infection with bacteria or a virus. Dry air, allergies, smoke, and chemicals are other common causes.

Pink eye often gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics only help if the pink eye is caused by bacteria. Pink eye caused by infection spreads easily. If an allergy or chemical is causing pink eye, it will not go away unless you can avoid whatever is causing it.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Wash your hands often. Always wash them before and after you treat pink eye or touch your eyes or face.
• Use moist cotton or a clean, wet cloth to remove crust. Wipe from the inside corner of the eye to the outside. Use a clean part of the cloth for each wipe.
• Put cold or warm wet cloths on your eye a few times a day if the eye hurts.
• Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup until the pink eye is gone. Throw away any eye makeup you were using when you got pink eye. Clean your contacts and storage case. If you wear disposable contacts, use a new pair when your eye has cleared and it is safe to wear contacts again.
• If the doctor gave you antibiotic ointment or eyedrops, use them as directed. Use the medicine for as long as instructed, even if your eye starts looking better soon. Keep the bottle tip clean, and do not let it touch the eye area.
• To put in eyedrops or ointment:
  • Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
  • Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
  • Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
  • Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
• Do not share towels, pillows, or face cloths while you have pink eye.