Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment

Viral conjunctivitis typically causes watery discharge, redness, and often follows a cold — highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces thick, purulent discharge causing lids to stick together. Allergic conjunctivitis causes intense itching, watering, and bilateral redness without discharge — usually with other allergy symptoms.

No — viral conjunctivitis, which is most common in adults, does not respond to antibiotics and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. Antibiotic drops are appropriate for bacterial conjunctivitis or when the cause is uncertain in certain clinical contexts. Allergic conjunctivitis requires antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer drops.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious through direct contact and shared surfaces. Frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes, not sharing towels or pillowcases, and — for bacterial cases — staying home until discharge resolves are key prevention measures.

Seek evaluation for significant pain (beyond mild irritation), vision changes, severe redness, photophobia, contact lens wearers with symptoms, discharge in a newborn, or symptoms not improving within a week. These features suggest causes requiring specific treatment or further evaluation.

Antibiotic eye drops may cause brief burning or stinging on instillation and rarely local allergic reactions. Antihistamine drops may cause mild dryness. OTC lubricating drops are very well tolerated. Topical steroids — used only when specifically prescribed — require monitoring due to risks in certain eye infections.