“How do you treat viral pink eye?”
I am a 25 year old female and I have viral pink eye. How do you treat viral pink eye?
9 Answers
Viral conjunctivitis is usually a self-limiting disease. However, it is important to visit your ophthalmologist for an evaluation to determine proper diagnosis and treatment.
The treatment of a viral pink eye depends on the signs and symptoms and the virus involved. For a routine viral pink eye, cool compresses and tear drops may be sufficient. The conjunctivitis is likely to be contagious, so careful hand washing, disposal of tissues, using your own towel and pillow cover is required. You may wish to avoid gathering with others for a few days. Viral pink eye may also be caused by Covid 19 as well as Herpes zoster or simplex. Please contact your ophthalmologist or primary care doctor to diagnose and discuss.
First, you need to be examined by an eye doctor that diagnoses and treats medical eye infections. What appears to be viral pink eye may be due to other infectious causes requiring different treatment.
Artificial tears for comfort
There is no well established treatment for viral conjunctivitis. The most important thing is to avoid contaminating the other eye or infecting your close contacts. Hand hygiene is essential. Symptoms can be improved by using artificial tears but that will not make the virus go away sooner.
If you are certain of the diagnosis, adenoviral pinkeye is usually a self-limiting condition affecting both eyes. For extreme discomfort, allergy drops can sometimes make them feel better. I will sometimes prescribe topical NSAIDs. Decreases in vision should prompt you to see an ophthalmologist, who may prescribe mild topical steroid drops. You are contagious to others during the first week of your infection, so don't share things like computer keyboards and utensils. Disclaimer: I have no idea whether or not you have this condition, so if you're not sure, go see an ophthalmologist.
After ruling out herpes simplex conjunctivitis, an antibiotic-steroid combination eyedrop can be used. See an ophthalmologist. SO
Viral pinkeye is generally a self-limited illness. There is no treatment for it. Occasionally, your eye care provider may prescribe eyedrops to decrease the risk of secondary bacterial infection or significant information.
Alan J. Franklin, MD, PhD
Alan J. Franklin, MD, PhD
Unless it is Herpes, there is no treatment for the other viral pink eyes. Use warm or cool soaks to keep the eyes clean and the condition is self limited. Be careful about transmission to others.
