Pink Eye Treatment in Santa Clarita

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Bacterial pink eye causes thick yellow or green discharge and needs antibiotic drops. Viral pink eye is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and causes watery discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander and causes itching and watering. Each type requires different treatment.

Bacterial and viral pink eye are highly contagious and spread easily through direct contact with eye discharge or contaminated surfaces. You can spread it by touching your eyes and then touching doorknobs, phones, or shaking hands. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. To prevent spreading, wash hands frequently, don’t share towels or pillowcases, and avoid touching your eyes.

Bacterial pink eye usually improves within 2-3 days of starting antibiotic drops, though you should complete the full course of medication. Viral pink eye lasts 7-14 days and must run its course since antibiotics don’t help. Allergic conjunctivitis lasts as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. If symptoms don’t improve or get worse, come back for reevaluation.

Only bacterial pink eye needs antibiotic drops. Viral pink eye won’t respond to antibiotics and will improve on its own with supportive care like cool compresses and artificial tears. Allergic conjunctivitis needs antihistamine drops or oral allergy medication. We’ll examine your eyes and only prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection.

For bacterial pink eye, you can usually return 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops, as long as symptoms are improving. For viral pink eye, stay home until discharge stops. Check with your employer or school about their specific policies. We can provide a note for work or school clearance.

Apply cool compresses to your eyes for 5-10 minutes several times a day. Use artificial tears to soothe irritation. Avoid wearing contact lenses until infection clears. Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes. Change pillowcases daily. Don’t share towels, washcloths, or makeup. Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch often.

Yes. Discard any eye makeup, brushes, or applicators you used while infected. Throw away contact lenses, lens cases, and solution you used during infection. Once you’re healed, you can use new makeup and new contacts. This prevents reinfection.

Swimming pool water with chlorine or chemicals can irritate eyes and cause chemical conjunctivitis, which looks similar to pink eye but isn’t an infection. Poorly chlorinated pools can also spread bacterial or viral pink eye. Use swim goggles to protect eyes. If your child develops pink eye symptoms after swimming, come in for evaluation.