Hey friends! So, let me tell you a little story. A while back, my kids came home from daycare with what turned out to be the dreaded strep throat. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, a couple of days later, they both woke up with their eyes all crusted shut. Yep, you guessed it — pinkeye.
They had all the classic signs: red, swollen eyes, lots of eye discharge, and they were constantly complaining about itching and burning. With two eye doctors in my family, I knew I couldn’t just wait this one out. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmologists, eye infections can escalate quickly in young kids, so it’s best to get them checked out right away.
Now, pinkeye can be caused by a few different things: allergies, irritants, or viral infections, often showing up alongside a cold or even COVID-19. If you or your child are experiencing COVID symptoms along with pinkeye, definitely reach out to a healthcare professional, as the virus can spread through eye secretions.
But if the cause is bacterial, like in my kids’ case, the doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help shorten the infection’s duration and provide some relief. However, even bacterial pinkeye often clears up on its own within one to two weeks. This raises a question: are these antibiotic drops really necessary? A study from 2016 revealed that 60% of people prescribed these drops may not have needed them at all, according to Dr. Joshua Stein from the University of Michigan. He suggests asking your doctor how sure they are that the infection is bacterial.
Home Remedies for Pinkeye
While waiting for the doctor’s appointment, there are some home remedies you can try:
- Apply warm or cool compresses to the affected eye (clean, wet washcloths work wonders).
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Ask your doctor about lubricating eye drops.
- If allergies are the culprit, consider over-the-counter allergy meds.
To help prevent spreading the infection, wash your hands after touching infected eyes, change pillowcases and sheets daily, and clean glasses regularly. If you or your kids have pinkeye, it’s a good idea to stay home until symptoms improve. And teach your kids about how pinkeye spreads — they should use fresh contacts, avoid sharing makeup, and wash their hands often.
Also, make sure infected individuals do not:
- Wear contacts
- Share anything that touches the eyes
- Use redness-reducing eye drops
- Reuse old makeup
- Put anything in their eyes without a doctor’s approval
When in doubt, always reach out to your ophthalmologist or primary care doctor. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, you’ll be back to your cheerful self in no time!
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Summary
Managing pinkeye at home is possible with some simple remedies, but it’s crucial to consult a doctor when symptoms arise. Understanding the cause and when to seek help can make a big difference, especially for kids.
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