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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staff
Bacterial conjunctivitis
If your infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops as pink eye treatment, and the infection should clear within several days. Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eyedrops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children. An ointment is often easier to administer to an infant or young child than are eyedrops, though they may blur vision for up to 20 minutes after application. With either form of medication, you should notice a marked improvement in signs and symptoms within one to two days. Be sure to use the medication for the entire time your doctor prescribes it, to prevent recurrence of the infection.
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis doesn't respond to treatment with antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Like with a common cold, you can use an over-the-counter remedy to relieve some symptoms, but the virus just has to run its course. You may notice a worsening of symptoms in the first three to five days. After that, your signs and symptoms should gradually clear on their own. It may take up to two to three weeks from the time you were infected for the virus to go away.
Allergic conjunctivitis
If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe one of many different types of eyedrops. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops.
