How Do I Get Rid of Pink Eye?

If you have pink discoloration in your eye, you may be wondering, how do I get rid of pink eye? Pink eye is a medical condition that transforms the color of the eyes to pink due to a bacterial or viral infection. It is usually caused by an allergen that causes general redness and irritation of the eye and its surrounding areas. It is also known as conjunctivitis and may also be caused by the lack of Vitamin C. 

Pink eye occurs more often in children than in adults because their exposure to public places and group activities such as in school, and at parks and playgrounds, makes children more susceptible to the medical condition. Because it is very common, it is therefore important to find cures and treatments for it and to be able to answer the question of how do I get rid of pink eye. Fortunately, there are sseveral medical and home treatments for pink eye.  

How Do I Get Rid of Pink Eye?

Antibiotics are usually the easiest and best way to treat pink eye. Even if it was caused by something such as an allergen that won't be cured by antibiotics, your physician may prescribe an antibiotic treatment for the secondary infection.

Antibiotics usually come in the form of eye drops to directly treat the infection. However, there are also oral antibiotics and ointments for younger, uncooperative kids.

Always practice good hygiene whenever applying the eye drops or ointment. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying the medication. If using an eye dropper, never let the device touch your eyes directly.

Treating Allergies

Your allergies can also increase the irritation around the membranes around your eyes, causing the pink eye. If this is the case, antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be taken. There are many over the counter options but if any of them fail to treat your pink eye, you will need to use a much stronger prescription anti-allergy medication.  

Home Remedies Methods

Aside from medication, there are also home remedies and homeopathic ways to treat pink eye or at least, to alleviate the irritation and discomfort. First, you can use hot or cold applications to soothe pink eye. Do this by soaking a clean and lint-free cloth in hot water. Use cold water for pink eye that is characterized as allergic conjunctivitis.

Wring the cloth out and place it over your closed eyelids for about 10-20 minutes. Perform this several times a day to give instant relief to your eyes and to treat its symptoms.

After each application, be sure to wash the cloth or simply throw it away to prevent bacteria from spreading, since pink eye is a highly contagious infection. If only one of your eyes is infected, do not place the cloth over both of your eyes since you will likely infect your other eye as well.  

Herbal Treatment

Herbs make great ingredients for home treatments as well. For instance, fennel was referred to as the herb of sight by the ancient Romans. Simply put a few fennel leaves in water and bring it to a boil. Let the water cool and strain the fennel leaves. Use the cooled solution to wash your eyes. It will help clear away the hazy vision brought about by the pink eye.

Another effective herb to use is chamomile. Place a damp and cool chamomile tea bag over the infected eye for 10 minutes during the night as a form of treatment. Chamomile can to cure pink eye in a day or two.

A solution made from jasmine that has been soaked in distilled water overnight can be used to treat pink eye, especially if the pink eye is accompanied by discharge.

Another home remedy makes uses of Aloe Vera juice. The juice is used to wash the infected eye to soothe it instantly. You may soak a cloth in Aloe Vera juice as a form of compress for your infected eye.

Finally, to make a natural antiseptic, mix some honey in warm and sterile water. Place the solution directly in the infected eye. It may sting a little bit, so be careful.

Choosing a Treatment

Regardless of whether you choose antibiotics, home treatments or both, there are fortunately plenty of answers to the question of how do I get rid of pink eye.