4 Tips to Quickly Relieve a Pink Eye Infection and Prevent Its Spread

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is the most common eye complaint seen in the emergency room in the U.S. About 75% of the time, pink eye is due to a viral infection. You can get it by coming into direct contact with the virus. Or you can “catch it” from droplets in the air, much like you catch a cold.

In other cases, coming into contact with a bacteria can cause pink eye. This is likely to happen from rubbing your eyes directly, but it can also happen from respiratory droplets. The most common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis is the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. 

If you’ve ever had pink eye, you know how uncomfortable the symptoms can be. Fortunately, there are ways to improve the symptoms while your infection gets better. Let’s take a closer look at how you can get quick relief for pink eye and how long it will take to get better.

Quiz: Do you have pink eye?

How can you get rid of pink eye?

Pink eye will usually go away on its own without treatment. Symptoms usually begin to improve within 5 to 7 days. And with some simple home care, you can help lessen symptoms and improve the appearance of the eye faster. 

1. Cool compresses

A cool compress can help to soothe the irritation from a pink eye infection. If your eyes are matted shut with a lot of discharge, wiping them with a damp washcloth can help you open them. A cool compress may also help to reduce any eyelid swelling or inflammation. 

You can use a clean, damp washcloth and lay it over the infected eye. Feel free to do this as often as you’d like, but use a clean towel each time. This will keep you from spreading the infection to your other eye. 

2. Lubricating eye drops

Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help your pink eye infection feel better faster. If you have a gritty, itchy, or burning sensation from your pink eye, keeping them moist with eye drops can give you some relief. These eye drops won’t make the infection go away, but they can help with the pain and irritation you feel in the meantime. 

Sometimes people are sensitive to the ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. If you notice increased pain or redness after using them, stop using the drops and let your provider know.

3. OTC pain medication

Sometimes pink eye infections are somewhat painful. You can help relieve that pain with OTC pain medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Viral pink eye infections often occur along with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, like sore throat or headache. These OTC medications can help to relieve those symptoms as well.

If you have severe pain, or pain when you move your eyes, let your provider know. They’ll likely want to see you to make sure there’s no other underlying cause for your symptoms. 

4. Antibiotic eye drops

Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops to help shorten the length of an infection. This is especially important for people who wear contact lenses, since they’re at higher risk of developing complications. You’ll need a prescription for these types of eye drops.

Some common antibacterial treatments to get rid of pink eye symptoms include:

• Erythromycin ointment

• Ofloxacin

• Trimethoprim-polymyxin B

• Bacitracin-polymyxin B

How can you prevent the spread of pink eye?

Both viral and bacterial pink eye infections are highly contagious. Pink eye can spread as long as you have symptoms. But you can reduce the risk of spread by taking certain precautions to keep others safe. 

Here’s how to prevent the spread of pink eye to others:

• Do not share eye makeup, contacts, or glasses.

• Avoid touching your face and close face contact with others.

• Do not share handkerchiefs, towels, or tissues.

• Cover your coughs or sneezes.

• Wash your hands well and often.

• Properly care for your contact lenses.

It’s also important to try to prevent the spread of pink eye to your other unaffected eye. Here are some steps you can take to prevent this:

• Wash all of your pillowcases and towels in hot water.

• Replace your used contact lenses.

• Replace your eye makeup and related materials.

How long does conjunctivitis last?

The length of time you have pink eye depends on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis tends to last much longer. Viral pink eye will usually clear in 1 to 2 weeks, but symptoms might last for up to 3 weeks. 

Bacterial conjunctivitis will usually clear in 5 to 7 days without treatment. But symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. That’s why many people prefer to use prescription antibiotic treatment to help get rid of the symptoms faster. 

When should you see a healthcare provider for pink eye?

Complications from conjunctivitis are rare. But some symptoms can point to a serious infection or underlying medical condition. Here are some reasons to get medical attention right away:

• Pain when moving your eyes

• Extreme sensitivity to light

• Severe headache with neck pain

• Blurred vision that does not improve with wiping away discharge

• No improvement in 72 hours with treatment, or 5 days without treatment

• Swelling beyond the eyelids 

• Ear pain 

Newborns and those with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection. In these cases, you should see a healthcare provider right away.

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Written by:

Alicia Stevens, MD

Alicia Stevens, MD, is a board-certified physician in the fields of internal medicine and pediatrics with over 15 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed her training at Tulane University.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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