Pink eye remedies vary depending on the type you have, since they are caused by different issues. It is good to know both the home remedies and the treatment options offered by most eye doctors. Find out the most common pink eye remedies so that you can get started treating this condition as soon as possible.
Medical Remedies
If you suspect pink eye, you should go to your eye doctor soon so that you can begin the healing process. Unfortunately, viral pink eye cannot be treated with a simple antibiotic like so many conditions can these days, as viruses are not affected by this kind of treatment. The most your doctor can do is diagnose the condition and let you know when you can return to work or school. Washing your hands frequently can help keep you from spreading it, and then you are advised to simply wait out the few days it takes for the strongest symptoms to go away.
If you have bacterial pink eye, the good news is that it can be treated by a doctor with antibiotics. Once you start treatment for it, you should typically be able to return to your normal activities within a day since it will no longer be contagious.
Home Treatment
Fortunately for those with viral pink eye, you can usually quell some of the symptoms of either type with home remedies while you wait for it to dissipate. The first step is to stop wearing makeup, eye cream, or contact lenses, as these will only make the condition stick around longer. You should also wash your hands often to avoid spreading it to others, or from one eye to the other. If your goal is to take away some of the discomfort, you should hold a warm compress to your eyes. Eye drops that you can buy at any drugstore can also help relieve the discomfort while you wait for the condition to go away on its own.