Conjunctivitis Treatment -- How Can You Get Rid of Pink Eye?
 Conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye, is an uncomfortable inflammation of the eye. Â Pink eye is extremely contagious, and very common among school-aged children. There are three types of infection: bacterial, viral, and allergic. Depending on the type of infection, your conjunctivitis treatment may vary.
If you are diagnosed with pink eye, your conjunctivitis treatment may include:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis - Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or eye ointment as treatment. With both forms of bacterial treatment, symptoms should begin to go away after a few days.
- Viral conjunctivitis - Unlike a bacterial infection, there is no conjunctivitis treatment for viral infections. Viral conjunctivitis often begins in one eye, and moves into both within a few days. Your doctor will most likely recommend ways to relieve your discomfort and to just let the infection clear up on it’s own. However, if your doctor determines that the herpes simplex virus caused your pink eye, he or she may prescribe antiviral mediation.
- Allergic conjunctivitis - If your pink eye is being caused by allergies, doctor may prescribe anti-allergy eye drops to help reduce redness and pain. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops. Some of these do not require a prescription and can be purchased over the counter.
Conjunctivitis symptoms include red, itchy eyes, blurred vision, discharge, and pain. If you suspect you or your child has contracted pink eye, contact your doctor. He or she will be able to help determine the type and severity of your infection and recommend the proper mode of conjunctivitis treatment for your condition.
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