Pink eye is another name for conjunctivitis, a condition that causes redness and inflammation of membranes that cover the whites of the eyes and the membranes inside the eyelid. While pink eye can be dealt with at personally with home remedies, if a person still cannot see within 2-3 days of contracting it, they should see a doctor.
Under no circumstances should a person cover their infected eyes, as the temperature of the eyes will increase and make it easier for the conjunctivitis to grow. In addition, if a person applies warm compresses to their eyes for 10 minutes 3-4 times a day, this will help to clean the eyes and as a result slow the growth of the pink eye. If a warm compress does not work and the eye itches or is otherwise uncomfortable, the person may have allergic pink eye and should try a cool compress. Be sure to use a clean, lint-free cloth when applying the compress and do not use the same cloth on both eyes. This will help prevent the spread of pink eye from one eye to the other if only one eye is affected.
Stop the Growth of Pink Eye:
Under no circumstances should a person cover their infected eyes, as the temperature of the eyes will increase and make it easier for the conjunctivitis to grow. In addition, if a person applies warm compresses to their eyes for 10 minutes 3-4 times a day, this will help to clean the eyes and as a result slow the growth of the pink eye. If a warm compress does not work and the eye itches or is otherwise uncomfortable, the person may have allergic pink eye and should try a cool compress. Be sure to use a clean, lint-free cloth when applying the compress and do not use the same cloth on both eyes. This will help prevent the spread of pink eye from one eye to the other if only one eye is affected.
Use Eye Drops:
In many cases of pink eye, eye drops are readily available over the counter. If a person is affected with allergic pink eye, then eye drops that contain antihistamines or other medication may help. If a person has bacterial pink eye, then antibiotic eye drops can be used. Do not use others' eye drops, as they may be infected with the other person's pink eye.
Don't Wear Contact Lenses:
Whether or not contact lenses are a contributing factor in a person's pink eye, they should still be avoided, as this is just another method of covering the eyes. Contacts should be avoided completely until the eyes feel better. If the contacts are disposable, it may be recommended that they be thrown away; if they are non-disposable, a thorough cleaning will be required before they can be applied to the eyes once again.
Stay Clean:
The number one way to fight against pink eye is to keep as clean as possible. Wash hands and eyes frequently, never using the same cloth more than once. Change out any cloth used by the infected person at least once a day. Do not use cosmetics, as this may irritate the infected eye.
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