How to Recognize & Treat Viral Pink Eye

Every year, about 6 million Americans come down with a case of viral pink eye (viral conjunctivitis). And while its highly infectious nature makes it a common scourge in schools, camps, and wherever large groups of kids come together, adults, too, can fall victim to the condition.

The good news is that most infections are not serious and does not permanently affect vision. However, the symptoms can be annoying and uncomfortable.

Symptoms of viral pink eye may appear in just one eye and then spread to the other over the course of 1-2 days. These symptoms may include: a bright pink or red color in the white of one or both eyes; excessive tear production; clear, watery drainage from the eye; burning, itchy or gritty feeling in the eye.

As the name viral pink eye suggests, the cause of the condition is a virus. Just like viruses that cause the common cold, it can’t be treated with antibiotics or other medicines. The virus has to run its course, which may take up to two or three weeks. In most cases, symptoms tend to grow increasingly worse over the course of 3-5 days before slowly improving.

While you are waiting for pink eye to clear up, there are things you can do to help make yourself or your child more comfortable. These include:

Clean the eyelid: If you have crusting on the edges of your eyes, use a clean washcloth and dampen with warm water to gently remove the build-up.

Apply a compress to the eye: Soak a clean washcloth in warm water then ring it out. Lay it on the affected eye. If both eyes are affected, use two different cloths to prevent cross-contamination. You can use compresses throughout the day but use a clean washcloth each time.

Keep eye(s) moist: Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears.

Try topical antihistamine eye drops: Available at the drugstore, topical antihistamine drops such as Pataday, Zaditor, or Visine-A may also work to provide relief from symptoms.

Because viral pink eye is highly contagious, it is important that anyone with the condition or treating others with it practice good hygiene to prevent its spread. This means not touching or rubbing the eye. If you do, be sure to wash your hands immediately after and regularly throughout the day as a precaution. You may also want to change out pillowcases daily and be sure to place any washcloths used to clean the eye or as a compress directly in the laundry after use. If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses and refrain from wearing contacts for at least one week after symptoms resolve. Also be sure to dispose of the lenses and any solution they were stored in when the infection began and thoroughly wash your lens case with hot water.

It’s also important to protect others outside the home from pink eye. You’re contagious when symptoms of pink eye appear and for as long as you’re experiencing watery eyes and discharge.

If you work in close contact with others or share equipment including phones, computers, vehicles, etc., be sure to practice good hand hygiene until symptoms clear up. 

If your child has pink eye, you should contact their school, camp, or daycare to learn their policies. In most cases, younger children may be asked to stay home until their symptoms go away completely.

Emily D’Amario, MPAS, PA-C, is a member of the ExpressCare team at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.