Pink eye can i use visine

It depends on what kind of pink eye you have and how bad it is. See your ophthalmologist right away if:. Pink eye is a common cause of school absences and can spread quickly in schools. Make sure your kids know how to keep from getting pink eye and other infections.

If one or both of your eyes are red and uncomfortable, it could be allergic pink eye, viral pink eye or bacterial pink eye. Sometimes it's easy to figure out what kind of pink eye you have and other times only a doctor can tell what's causing the problem.

If your eyelids are sticking together, a warm washcloth can loosen the dried mucus so you can open your eyes. If your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, stopping the source of the allergy is important. Allergic pink eye will continue as long as you're in contact with whatever is causing it. Allergic pink eye is not contagious. You can still go to work or school with allergic conjunctivitis and no one else will catch it. To reduce the symptoms of allergic pink eye you can:.

Whatever kind of pink eye you have, don't use red-reducing eye drops , like Visine. These kinds of eye drops may be very uncomfortable if you have an infection. They also could make your symptoms worse. Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread very easily—as easily as the common cold.

If you have an infection in just one eye, be careful not to spread it to the other eye. And be careful not to spread the infection in public, either. Breastmilk could be more harmful than helpful for pink eye. One of the few studies on whether breast milk can fight infections found that it didn't cure the most common causes of pink eye — and worse, breastmilk can introduce new bacteria into the eye and cause serious infection.

Eye infections in young children can be very serious—even blinding. Here are some things to avoid:. You could save yourself from some potential eye damage and discomfort. Not everything that looks like pink eye is pink eye. Plus, sometimes you can have a really bad case that requires medical attention. See your doctor if you have the following symptoms:. Pink eye will usually go away on its own in about 1 to 2 weeks.

If you have a bacterial infection and start using eye drops right away, you may be able to cut a few days off your recovery time.

Pink eye is a common eye infection, especially in children. Learn more about the best remedies for pink eye, and when to see a doctor. Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious and may be spread as long as you have symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Find out how long pink eye lasts and how to treat it fast. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, has many causes, including bacterial, viral, allergic, and irritants.

Typically people are referring to a bacterial or…. There are many home remedies suggested as cures for pink eye conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis pink eye is an infection or swelling that typically gives your eye a red or pink color.

It is important to recognize which type of conjunctivitis you are experiencing, as treatments may differ for each one. So which pink eye drops will help your particular condition? Generally speaking, these are the most recommended kinds of eye drops to treat each type of conjunctivitis:. Viral conjunctivitis pink eye : Artificial tears can ease discomfort and other symptoms, but conjunctivitis caused by a virus such as a cold or upper respiratory infection cannot be cured with eye drops.

Bacterial conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops, prescribed by a doctor, are the typical treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis: Artificial tears, lubricating eye drops and some antihistamine eye drops, available over the counter, can aid red eyes and inflammation due to pet hair, pollen and other common allergens.

Irritant conjunctivitis: Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops, available over the counter, may be helpful for symptoms of conjunctivitis brought on by cosmetics, perfumes, environmental pollutants, etc. Some conjunctivitis may require additional treatment, such as ointments, oral antibiotics and oral pain relievers. Always ask your eye doctor about recommended use before combining more than one medication. For viral, allergic and irritant forms of conjunctivitis, the solution you need pun intended!

Over-the-counter pink eye drops are readily available without a prescription. However, certain products may be more helpful depending on the type of conjunctivitis in question — while others should be avoided. A pharmacist can direct you toward the appropriate eye drops and may recommend some of the following:. Read on to learn more about common eye conditions and tips to help prevent vision loss.

Internal styes occur when the meibomian glands become infected. Learn more about their causes and treatment options and when to seek help.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic condition that affects the eyes, eventually leading to vision loss. Learn more about how to manage this…. How to treat pinkeye at home. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Cool compress Damp cloth clean Eye drops Medication Avoid touching Types of pinkeye When to see a doctor Prevention Outlook Pinkeye is an eye condition that is usually temporary and the result of a bacterial infection, viral infection, or allergic reaction. Use a cool compress.

Share on Pinterest There are three main causes of pinkeye. Damp cloth clean. Eye drops. Pain-relieving medication. Share on Pinterest Eye drops containing antihistamines can help relieve pain associated with pinkeye. Avoid touching the eyes. Treating different types of pinkeye. When to see a doctor.