Treat your pink eye with an online doctor visit and prescription medication.

Pink eye can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (such as smoke, chlorine, or cosmetics). The specific cause determines whether pink eye is contagious and what treatment approach should be taken.

Treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically requires antibiotic eye drops or ointments, while viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamine eye drops or mast cell stabilizers. For cases of pink eye caused by irritants, flushing the eye with water or saline solution may help provide relief.

Pink eye can be contagious if it’s caused by bacterial or viral infections. In these cases, it’s important to practice good hygiene – such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes – to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Allergic conjunctivitis and irritation-induced conjunctivitis are types of pink eye that are not contagious.

To help prevent pink eye, you can take the following steps: practice good hand hygiene; avoid touching your eyes, and refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, makeup, or contact lenses. If you have allergic conjunctivitis, try to minimize exposure to allergens by using air filters, washing bedding frequently, and avoiding outdoor activities when the pollen count is high.

Consult a healthcare professional if you have severe or worsening eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, intense eye redness, or symptoms that don’t improve with treatment. Additionally, newborns with symptoms of pink eye should receive immediate medical attention, as some forms of conjunctivitis can cause severe complications if left untreated.

Yes, you can go outside with pink eye. However, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection, as some forms of pink eye can be contagious. If you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, avoid close contact with others, and wash your hands frequently to minimize the risk of transmission. In addition: Avoid touching your eyes and sharing personal items, such as towels, pillows, or makeup. If your pink eye is caused by allergies, it is not contagious – but it’s still important to practice good hygiene in order to prevent irritation and worsening of symptoms.