Home Remedies for Pink Eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin outer membrane of the eye. It’s typically caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergic reactions.

In this article, we’ll discuss some home remedies you can use to heal from pink eye. We’ll also go over things to avoid doing while you have an infection and how you can prevent spreading it.

4 Home Remedies for Pink Eye

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial conjunctivitis may last about 2 to 5 days without treatment.

Viral conjunctivitis may take about 7 to 14 days or more to clear, while allergic conjunctivitis will clear up when the allergen is removed from your environment.

Taking proper care of your eye can help ease symptoms, shorten recovery time, and prevent complications. Most cases resolve on their own, and there are some home remedies that can help you recover.

Here are some home treatments you can do:

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

OTC pain medication won’t cure pink eye but can help alleviate symptoms. For instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but bacteria, viruses, or allergens may still be present.

OTC eye drops or artificial tears, such as olopatadine, alcaftadine, and ketotifen, can also help relieve symptoms. Some of these OTC eye drops contain antihistamines which can control allergic reactions. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure which OTC medication to use.

2. Cold and Warm Compresses

Applying a cold compress on the affected eye can help reduce inflammation and swelling. On the other hand, a warm compress can help reduce crust formation.

A discharge of mucus or pus can crust around the eyes, making it painful to open them. Holding a warm compress over it for a few minutes can help clean the eye, remove dry crust, and relieve pain.

3. Cucumber Therapy

Research shows that placing pieces of cucumber over your eyes can soothe inflammation and reduce swelling. Cucumbers also hydrate the eyes, making them a natural remedy for dry eyes, especially in allergic conjunctivitis.

4. Hygiene and Cleaning

Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands. Although it might seem insignificant, having clean towels, bedsheets, and pillows can help you recover a lot faster.

This is because pus, mucus, and other infectious fluids from the affected eye can latch onto these things and potentially cause a reinfection. Frequently wash your bedding with hot water and avoid reusing washcloths or touching the other eye.

Common Misconceptions About Treating Pink Eye at Home

While home remedies can be helpful, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Here are some common myths surrounding home treatments for pink eye and the actual truth about them:

Myth	Truth
Breast milk is a miracle cure for pink eye.	There's no scientific evidence to support its use for treating pink eye. In fact, it can introduce bacteria and worsen the infection.
Putting a potato slice on your eye will draw out the infection.	This remedy lacks scientific backing and could introduce bacteria or irritate your eyes.
All types of pink eye require antibiotics.	Only bacterial conjunctivitis needs antibiotics. Viral and allergic conjunctivitis usually resolve on their own or with supportive care.

Safe home remedies generally focus on relieving symptoms and supporting your body's natural healing process. Unsafe remedies often involve unproven substances or practices that can harm your eyes.

Ultimately, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. They can determine the underlying cause of your infection and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Things to Avoid When You Have Pink Eye

If you want to recover from conjunctivitis faster, there are a few things you need to avoid to prevent reinfection or prolonging the condition:

• Avoid wearing makeup. Wearing makeup can introduce new bacteria into your eyes, worsening the infection. It can even transfer the bacteria into your makeup kit.
• Avoid contact lenses. Contacts can irritate your eyes and cause more problems. You can also get reinfected when you wear the contacts.
• Avoid allergens. Getting exposed to the same allergen that caused the pink eye can worsen the inflammation.
• Avoid touching your eyes. Touching your eyes can cause bacteria or viruses to spread to the other eye or infect other people. If they’re too itchy, try using pain relievers or lubricating eye drops.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek medical attention if home remedies fail and your conjunctivitis is accompanied by:

• Persistent severe pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Intense redness
• Eye discharge
• Visual disturbance

People with weak immunity will require medical care to boost their immune response to the infection. For newborns with pink eye, seek emergency medical care.

How to Prevent Spreading Pink Eye

You can prevent pink eye by doing the following:

• Wash your hands regularly. 
• Avoid touching your eyes.
• Dispose of or thoroughly wash clothes or towels used to touch your eyes or face.
• Change your bedding frequently.
• Use clean cosmetic brushes and replace eye makeup often.
• Avoid sharing your eye cosmetics.
• Clean contact lenses before wearing them. For disposable ones, change them as required.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.