“What are the treatment options for pink eye?”
My 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with pink eye. What are the treatment options for pink eye?
8 Answers
Pinkeye is caused by a virus. Supportive care is the recommended choice treatment. This would include Tear drops for comfort and occasionally ophthalmic antibiotic eyedrops such as erythromycin or Polytrim.
Pink eye could be by allergy or infection should be treated accordingly
If the pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection the treatment is antibiotic eye drops. If it is a viral infection it will resolve on its own. If the pink eye is secondary to allergies then allergy medication is the recommended treatment.
With symptoms of pinkeye, from irritated and red-looking eyes, to overall general discomfort, you can use warm or cool compresses to help with relief. Clean the eye carefully, especially around the edges of the eyelids, to remove any discharge before applying disposable or washable compresses. It is advisable to contact your health care practitioner at the first signs of pinkeye. While it may not always be conjunctivitis, it is important to see your doctor for diagnosis in order to contain pink eye and to rule out something more serious.
Depends whether it is bacterial ,viral or allergic depending upon the nature of discharge a yellow discharge is indicative of bacterial infections and needs antibacterial antibiotic drops a watery discharge is indicative of viral infection and clears on its own in few days on the other hand no discharge with itching is indicative of allergic conjunctivitis and needs anti allergic eyes drops
“Pink eye” is most likely caused by a bacteria, especially if there is a purulent discharge, and antibiotic drops is the treatment of choice.
Pinkeye can be viral, allergic, or bacterial. Treatment depends to a great extent on what is causing the problem. Allergic pinkeye is treated with antihistamine drops. Viral conjunctivitis and even bacterial conjunctivitis generally resolve on their own, with or without treatment. Sometimes it’s hard for the doctor to tell the difference, so antibiotic drops or ointments are often prescribed, even though they are usually not necessary. I would avoid sulfa-antibiotic containing eye drops at all costs, as allergic reaction to them can be severe. The condition, unless allergic, is highly contagious, so good hand washing is important.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
If it is viral, warm compresses and tylenol if needed for pain. If bacterial, antibiotic eye drops can help. Do not rub the eyes as this can irritate them and prolong the symptoms.
