Tips for treating pink eye

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, happens most commonly with seniors and children. There are three types and different ways to treat each one.

• This can be bacterial or viral and may follow a cold or sore throat. Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause a thick, yellowish-green discharge. It usually clears up by itself within a few days, though your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
• Viral conjunctivitis tends to cause a watery or mucus discharge. It can't be treated with antibiotics but usually clears up in a week or so.
• Holding a cold compress (such as a wet washcloth) to your eyes will help to soothe them. 

• If your eyes are extremely itchy as well as red, the problem may be an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis that occurs in the hay fever season is called "seasonal allergic conjunctivitis" and is triggered by pollen or grass.
• If it happens all year round — prompted perhaps by dust or cat fur — it's known as "perennial." Other potential allergens include contact lens solutions, air pollutants, smoke and household aerosols and cleaners.
• The condition is treated with eye drops, antihistamine pills or, occasionally, steroid eye drops.

• Wash your hands well and often, especially before and after putting in eye drops or ointment, applying makeup or serving food.
• Don't touch or rub your eyes.
• Change pillow cases, washcloths and towels every day.
• Don't share towels or washcloths.
• Stop using contact lenses — use glasses until the symptoms go away.
• Afterward, throw away any used disposable lenses; clean other lenses and cases thoroughly.
• Replace your eye makeup, especially mascara.

• Irritation by foreign bodies or chemicals causes a stinging or burning sensation in the eye; there may also be a discharge.
• Triggers include contact lenses, shampoos and chlorine in swimming pools.
• Flushing the eye with clean water after a chemical splash is always recommended, but can itself cause this kind of reaction. If a strong chemical, such as bleach or acid, enters your eye, flush it for five minutes and see a doctor at once.
• For minor irritants such as shampoo, the reaction should subside in a day or so; if not, see your doctor.
• Avoid eye drops.

• Never share lenses, washcloths, towels, eye makeup or glasses.
• Don't use old eye drops — and never use anyone else's eye drops.
• Wash your hands before touching makeup or moisturizers.
• Don't use old eye makeup or moisturizers.
• Follow care instructions carefully if you wear contact lenses.
• Protect your eyes from dirt and other irritants.