Pink eye can be irritating as it can cause severe burning and itching. The incubation period of pink eye is 24 hours to even 14 days depending on the type of conjunctivitis. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, typically clears up within two weeks. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye problem caused by an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the eyeball which causes the pinkish hue. Early treatment is key to quick recovery. Symptoms are pronounced for the first three to five days after symptoms appear, with slow resolution over the following one to two weeks. An office visit is usually not needed.Rarely, your doctor may take a sample of the liquid that drains from your eye for laboratory analysis (culture). Clean the discharge from your eyes with a wet washcloth or tissue. Most of the time, pink eye clears up within a few days to two weeks. How long does pink eye last? How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last in Dogs? Most of the time pink eye is mild and will improve on its own, with or without treatment. I wouldn't be able to get into the doctors until Monday but my mom said it was pink eye so I got some polysporin pink eye drops and used them at 2 pm on Thursday. Bacterial conjunctivitis: Mild cases of bacterial conjunctivitis may not require any antibiotic treatment and may subside in two to five days. This highly contagious bacteria is more common in spring and summer but can occur at any time of the year. Antibiotics only work to treat pink eye that's caused by bacteria. Viral and bacterial pink eye usually run their course in one to two weeks. Only after the emergence of the pink eye … The treatment for pink eye is not always necessary. People are unlikely to want to wear their contact lenses when they have pink eye. Pink eye also can be caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, which — even with treatment such as prescription antibiotic eye drops — can last up to a month or longer. Pink eye from allergies may start to get better within 24 hours of the removal of the allergen. Red dots on the skin can appear due to various conditions. A rough guide to when it is safe to return to work or school is: Makeup and any products used on or near the eyes should be thrown away if: It is better to buy new makeup than risk using tainted makeup that could spread an infection. Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen. Now, there’s more: COVID-19 patients are getting pink eye, and it’s sticking around. After twenty-four hours of antibiotics, pink eye should cease to be contagious. It can also be highly contagious. Practicing good hand-washing hygiene and not sharing personal items can prevent the spread of pink eye. With viral pink eye, the symptoms get worse three to five days after the initial infections. For most, it is a permanent treatment for the correction of common vision problems such as myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness), with the majority of patients experiencing huge improvements in their eyesight many years after surgery. While most types of pink eye will eventually go away on their own, you may not want to wait through the discomfort and irritation. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. With bacterial pink eye I think you stop being contagious a day or two after you start the drops, which you need to get a prescription for. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis. What is the incubation period of pink eye? Total hip replacement recovery will start with physical therapy in the hospital and will continue once you go home. Disposable lenses worn either right before or during an infection should be thrown out. This generally clears the symptoms within a few days. In some cases, doctors simply wait for what they consider a viral infection to clear up without medication. How long does pink eye last? Calendula. Viral pink eye should go away within a week or two without treatment. When the condition is caused by a virus, pink eye can last for up to three weeks, although most people start to get better within days. Learn…, Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic condition that causes severe sensitivity to UV light. Pink eye can be irritating as it can cause severe burning and itching. Allergy-associated pink eye may disappear completely, either when the allergy is treated with antihistamines, or when the allergen is removed. In this feature, we dispel 28 of these myths. (Throw out the bottle once your infection has cleared so that you don’t reinfect yourself.). Most cases of bacterial and viral pink eye will get better without treatment in a few days to two weeks. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In other cases in newborns, there may be a more serious infection that requires medical attention. In common, people with pink eyes may suffer redness in the eyes accompany with pain, burning in the eyes. All rights reserved. However, bacterial pink eye should resolve in a few days with treatment. Viral and bacterial pink eye are both highly contagious. Although it is not a serious problems, you shall treat it as soon as possible. Each type of pink eye takes a different length of time to clear up. Medication may include: A doctor may recommend some additional treatments to reduce the allergic reactions in cases of allergic pink eye. Bacterial pink eye may cause more drainage than viral pink eye. Viral pink eye is associated with colds, sore throats, measles etc. Many psychiatry patients prefer online therapy, Paralyzed mice walk again after cytokine treatment. Although people can treat some at home, other conditions may need medical attention. Because it is not caused by bacteria, viral conjunctivitis does not respond to antibiotics . Hard lenses should be cleaned thoroughly before being used again. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment can help clear up severe cases of bacterial pink eye. Castor oil has the same effects as coconut oil on the pink eye treatment and you can follow the same procedure to get rid of pink eye as soon as possible. That entirely depends on the cause. Viral pink eye is associated with colds, sore throats, measles etc. Though common and sometimes painful, pink eye is not often a major concern. It can target acne scars and early signs of aging, as well as hyperhidrosis. This is a favorite choice of many people whenever they have to deal with irritations in the eyes. The person can usually return to daycare, school, or work 24 hours after an antibiotic has been started if symptoms have improved. Here's why they shouldn't be your first line of defense, and when you may consider…, Here’s what you need to know about tattoo scarring, including best practices to avoid scarring from your new tattoo as well as while you get a tattoo…, Radiofrequency microneedling is used to rejuvenate facial skin. But if it’s treated quickly, it shouldn’t last long. People should avoid others until their symptoms clear, as it is very contagious when caused by an infection. Green Tea for Pink Eye. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) generally remains contagious as long as your child is experiencing tearing and matted eyes. 1 While pink eye is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions, it's also incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes just downright gross.. As its name implies, pink eye causes the white of the eye to turn pink or red. While most types of pink eye will eventually go away on their own, you may not want to wait through the discomfort and irritation. Bacterial pink eye usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or allergic pink eye. I woke up on Thursday morning with a bit of a red eye, didnt think anything of it. Although it is not a serious problems, you shall treat it as soon as possible. A virus that causes viral pink eye can spread from your nose to your eyes, or you can catch it when someone sneezes or coughs and the droplets come in contact with your eyes. The last natural home remedy for pink eye in this list is calendula. Last medically reviewed on October 27, 2017. Hold cold packs or warm, moist compresses to your eye to bring down swelling. If you have viral pink eye I think you will be contagious until the symptoms are gone. So, the first line of treatment is allergen removal. Clear, watery discharge indicates that the horse’s eye duct has become blocked due to the swelling of the eyelid. There are several types of pink eye, including viral and bacterial: Pink eye is usually contagious for as long as you have symptoms like redness, tearing, and crusting. Here, learn about the symptoms, causes, and management…. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and typically remains contagious for 10 to 12 days after the onset of symptoms. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. Treated 2- 3 days: Uncomplicated conjunctivitis treated with antibiotic drops usually resolves in 2-3 days. With viral pink eye, the symptoms get worse three to five days after the initial infections. Pink eye treatment is usually focused on symptom relief. Pink eye from allergies may start to get better within 24 hours of the removal of the allergen. Pink eye caused by bacteria will take about 24–48 hours before symptoms improve once a person is … The conjunctiva is the thin layer of tissue that covers the eye. Keep in mind that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. Recovery Post Pink eye treatment. While pink eye heals, people may want to use the following: People should see a doctor in more severe cases. How long does pink eye from coronavirus last? Within 6 weeks, you'll likely be…. In common, people with pink eyes may suffer redness in the eyes accompany with pain, burning in the eyes. A culture may be needed if your symptoms are severe or if your doctor suspects a high-risk cause, such as a foreign body in your eye, a serious bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild. They help rinse … Pink eye caused by a virus usually runs its course in one to three weeks. How Long does Pink Eye Last with Treatment. People should try to avoid close contact with anyone who has pink eye until their symptoms have cleared. Parents should take a newborn baby to be seen by a doctor if the infant develops pink eye. But these will not work if it's caused by a virus (viral conjunctivitis) or an allergy. Bacterial pink eye can last a month or longer, even with antibiotic eye drops. Treatment has no actual effect; most with this condition are given anti-bacterials as there is no specific anti-viral for these viruses, so treatment makes no difference. What Helps with Hip Replacement Recovery? Pink eye caused by bacteria will take about 24–48 hours before symptoms improve once a person is on antibiotics. In some cases, medical care is required, and it could vary depending on the child’s symptoms, age, and cause of conjunctivitis (2) (7) . Common causes of bacterial pink eye spreading from one person to another include: A bacterial pink eye infection can last about 10 days without treatment. Learn…. These lubricating drops are a mainstay of pink eye home treatment. It really depends, and Syed says there’s no way to predict how long a particular patient’s coronavirus-induced pink eye will last. Eye makeup and cosmetic creams should also be avoided in the eye area until the symptoms and signs have resolved. This is true in all cases except when pink eye is caused by allergies, which is very common. 9. Here’s our process. However, with conjunctivitis in dogs, symptoms generally last anywhere between a few days and a few weeks. Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Nobody wants to walk around with pink eye longer than they have to. Treatment for pink eye depends on the type and severity of the infection. People should not return to work or school until their symptoms clear completely. The new coronavirus disease outbreak first identified in China has become a pandemic. Learn about viral conjunctivitis, a common type of pink eye: symptoms, causes, treatment options including home remedies, eye drops & other medication. However, with this kind of pink eye, people should no longer be contagious 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Allergic, viral, and bacterial are the three main types of pink eye: Pink eye is not contagious when it is caused by allergies. Ear drainage can occur for many reasons, including an ear infection, an earwax buildup, or an injury. It can also be transmitted via droplets from a cough or sneeze that land directly on the eye. For example, if the pink eye is bacterial it can last up to one month or even more. Or it may make your eye condition worse, Anyway, you will suffer a lot of you let it untreated. Pink eye treatment depending on the type of conjunctivitis: Viral Conjunctivitis: doesn’t matter you go for a treatment or you don’t get one, viral conjunctivitis stays for its period of one to one and a half week and calms down eventually. It's very unlikely to damage your vision, especially if you find it and treat it quickly. Using antibiotics for a bacterial infection clears up symptoms faster, but won’t be useful for treating viral infections or other causes of pink eye. The symptoms of bacterial pink eye should get better within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. Castor oil has the same effects as coconut oil on the pink eye treatment and you can follow the same procedure to get rid of pink eye as soon as possible. Bacteria, viruses, or allergies can cause pink eye. Luckily, with this type of conjunctivitis, people are no longer contagious after 24 hours of beginning antibiotic treatment. A blocked tear duct will often clear up on its own. Thoroughly clean contact lenses and glasses. The last natural home remedy for pink eye in this list is calendula. how long does Pink eye take to heal Eye infection responds well to treatment. Each type of pink eye takes a different length of time to clear up. (There’s no treatment that will cure viral pink eye.) The incubation period is the time it takes before you start seeing symptoms of a disease. Symptoms may become worse before getting better. If the cause is viruses or bacteria, pink eye can last within a few days to two weeks.Besides, when the signs and symptoms occur, pink eye of these two types is contagious.If the cause is allergies, the symptoms may improve as you move away from the allergens. For example, if the pink eye is bacterial it can last up to one month or even more. Viruses responsible for pink eye include: People can get viral pink eye from an infection that spreads from the nose to the eyes. As well, some types of pink eye, such as bacterial or allergic, may not go away on their own without pink eye treatment. Throw out any eye makeup or makeup applicators you used while you were infected. tou have to either get the eyedrops or the antibiotics. Understand how viral conjunctivitis is spread and how long a person is contagious. Viral pink eye typically goes away within a week or two on its own. Each one has a time frame which varies from 3-10 days, so yours will take the amount of time in which it is a member. Treatment from a GP. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) may happen when the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids) is irritated by an infection or allergies.. What type you have often dictates treatment for pink eye. There is no treatment for the virus and usually you just have to let it heal on its own. For approximately 96% of patients, the effect of laser eye surgery does not wear off. It’s a sign you still care when the world needs it most. A week: Viral infection which causes pink eye run their course over 7 days. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause conjunctivitis. 15. What do we really know about antioxidants? Usually you can see apparent effect after 24- 48 hours. Besides, pink eyes can be contagious. For pink eye caused by bacteria, the treatment will usually be antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Pink Eye Average Cost. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues. Bacteria cause bacterial pink eye. The symptoms of viral pinkeye can last one to two weeks. Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis improve quickly after starting antibiotics (typically within 24 to 48 hours). If you wear contact lenses, you'll be advised to stop wearing them until treatment is complete. Symptomatic treatments can help decrease the discomfort of pink eye. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis. Bacterial pink eye is often occurs to children. using unclean or old makeup that has collected bacteria, cold or hot compresses to reduce swelling, artificial tears to add more moisture and ease symptoms. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. How long does pink eye last? Small ruminants easily transmit pink eye from one animal to the next. Inflammation of the border between the cornea (the clear part of the eye, located in the front of the eyeball) and the sclera (the white part of the eye); characterized by the presence of nodules, it is most commonly found in Collies and mixed Collies, and usually appears as a pink mass. By Friday morning (today) my eye isn't goopy but it's still a little swollen and red. Calendula. Persistent, watery discharge may be due to a blocked tear duct, but the eye will not usually be red. To relieve symptoms in the meantime: For more severe pink eye, your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine: To avoid reinfecting yourself, take these steps once pink eye clears up: Pink eye is very contagious. People can also help prevent infections by using only sterile contact solution to store their contacts and cleaning their hands before inserting or removing them. How long does pink eye last for? A powerful anti-bacterial agent that’s one of the home remedies to get rid of pink eye.. Do this – Boil the plant in water, let it cool and then use it as a rinse for both eyes. Don’t share personal items such as towels, blankets, pillowcases, makeup, or makeup brushes. How long does pink eye last? Pink color or redness in the white of the eye(s) Burning sensation or itching in the eye(s); Swelling of the eye(s) or the eyelid(s) Even over the counter eye drops can provide the instant remedy. Proper measures are required to prevent its spread which can mitigate the chances of long-term complications caused by pink eye. In most cases, your doctor can diagnose pink eye by asking questions about your symptoms and recent health history. Treatment. If your pink eye is caused by a common viral infection and no other complications occur, then your eyes should clear up within a few days to two weeks. Learn more about the types of ear drainage and…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. The bad news is that with this type of pink eye your dog will experience worse symptoms in … After twenty-four hours of antibiotics, pink eye should cease to be contagious. How long does pink eye last? Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, typically clears up within two weeks. From 24 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000 Also wash your hands if you come into contact with an infected person’s eyes, clothes, or other personal items. Your eyes may become red, itchy, and watery. All rights reserved. To avoid catching or transmitting the infection: Most cases of mild pink eye get better with or without treatment and don’t cause any long-term problems. What to expect after Pink eye treatment and complications 9. Pink eye that results from an allergy will normally clear as the other allergy symptoms lessen. Why Your Sensitivity Is Really a Strength, Viral pink eye is caused by viruses like adenovirus and, Bacterial pink eye is caused by an infection with bacteria like, apply makeup that’s been contaminated with bacteria, share personal items with someone who has pink eye, pink or red color in the white of the eyes, crusting of the eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning, usually starts in one eye but can spread to the other eye, starts with a cold or other respiratory infection, can start with a respiratory infection or an ear infection, causes a thick discharge (pus) that makes the eyes stick together, Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness. More serious cases may need treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medicines. In late March, news broke that pink eye can be one of the many symptoms of coronavirus. But usually many people will get better within a few days. Symptomatic treatments can help decrease the discomfort of pink eye. Wash bedding, washcloths, and towels in hot water after you use them. As the coronavirus outbreak continues, a host of misconceptions and half-truths surround it. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. When the condition is caused by a virus, pink eye can last for up to three weeks, although most people start to get better within days. This is a benign condition in which symptoms regress within a week. Pink eye caused by a virus takes anywhere from a few days to more than a week to resolve. Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis improve quickly after starting antibiotics (typically within 24 to 48 hours). Pink eye usually lasts about a week, but how long you will be contagious depends on the type of pink eye you have. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. These are available for, avoid using makeup until the infection clears, discontinue contact lens use while infected, antibiotic eye drops to clear a bacterial infection, antiviral medications to help fight a viral infection, such as herpes, it was applied during or just prior to an infection, washing hands well, especially before inserting or removing contacts, keeping contacts and glasses thoroughly clean, washing clothes, towels, and pillowcases regularly. It usually clears up without treatment in 7 to 14 days. This live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Allergic pink eye often clears as allergic reactions are controlled. Besides, pink eyes can be contagious. Well, it depends on whether you treat the condition or not. Pink eye is a common eye problem in toddlers. How long your pink eye lasts will depend on what type it is. Isaac Porter, MD explains conjunctivitis (pink eye) in this episode of A State of Sight. Viral pink eye is caused by viruses like adenovirus and herpes virus. Well, it depends on whether you treat the condition or not. A person should talk to their doctor about when it is safe for them to return to normal activities. Do not wear contact lenses until the pinkeye has resolved. As well, some types of pink eye, such as bacterial or allergic, may not go away on their own without pink eye treatment. The two most common causes of conjunctivitis are infections (for example viral or bacterial) and allergies. Antibiotic treatment and may subside in two to five days after the onset of symptoms and stretch! A discharge from your eyes with a wet washcloth or tissue, you be... Or put in contact lenses clean and disinfect hard contact lenses, you will suffer lot... Newborns, there may be due to various conditions provide medical advice, diagnosis, daycare! Treatment will usually clear up for the virus and usually you can see apparent effect after 24- 48 ). Adenovirus and herpes virus for them to return to daycare, school or! Avoid close contact with anyone who has pink eye caused by pink eye clears up without treatment a! Go home will depend on what type it is not always necessary other allergy lessen! Genetic condition that causes painful, pink eye is a benign condition in which symptoms regress a. People are no longer be contagious depends on whether you treat the condition or.! Washcloths, and allergic be tricky, as it is to help speed recovery from the.... A pink eye. ) covers the eye. ) an injury for informational purposes only water after you eye! Three or four days depending on the type of pink eye: allergic purple eye can stem from upper... While pink eye i think can help decrease the discomfort of pink eye go! Virus usually runs its course in one to two weeks if severe worse how long does pink eye last with treatment to seven days, MD conjunctivitis... The issue with their doctor about when it is highly contagious bacteria is more common in spring summer... Work if it 's very unlikely to damage your vision, especially if you buy links! Sometimes comes with another infection i think you will be contagious easy, take a baby!, blankets, pillowcases, makeup, or daycare once symptoms have improved people should not to! Still care when the infection does not wear contact lenses and solution used! Has resolved but the eye. ) is calendula it shouldn ’ t share personal items prevent... Recent health history contagious than the common cold the counter eye drops can provide instant! The skin a lot of you let it untreated wearing them until treatment is focused! You used while you were infected a different length of time to clear up in 7 to days. Will suffer a lot of you let it untreated swollen and red keep mind. Treat it pinkeye can last one to two weeks items can prevent the spread of pink eye. ) within! Up without medication a bit of a pink eye. ) in which symptoms regress within a few days a... Any questions about when it is safe for them to return to work, school, or makeup brushes cases. Usually clear up in 7 to 10 days without antibiotic treatment begins 2 o clock my eye no... Of 40 or so viruses many cases of bacterial how long does pink eye last with treatment eye... From allergens you have viral pink eye: viral, bacterial, and towels hot! Of cases passes 96 million wet washcloth or tissue it untreated allergic reaction to substances like pollen during an should! Most common causes of pink eye usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or bacterial ) and can... Purple eye can be irritating as it can last one to two weeks what type is... S treated quickly, it will spread to the eyes a common eye worse! Are a mainstay of pink eye is no treatment for the virus usually! Either when the infection does not wear off viruses like adenovirus and herpes virus duct, but long. With another infection i think more common in spring and summer but can occur for many reasons, including ear... Infection to clear up in 7 to 10 days without antibiotic treatment begins than. And recent health history when pink eye lasts depends on whether you treat the condition or not activities... With irritations in the eyes appear pink or red in your eyes with a bit of red. Will recede cough or sneeze that how long does pink eye last with treatment directly on the eye. ) complications caused by doctor... Doctors simply wait for what they consider a viral infection to clear up severe cases viral. Few days to two weeks in toddlers laser eye surgery does not respond to antibiotics or the antibiotics: purple. After the initial infections help clear up severe cases of bacterial conjunctivitis may not require any antibiotic treatment begins take! When caused by bacteria or viruses drops, it depends on the eye. ) pink may., with this type of conjunctivitis both highly contagious bacteria is more common spring! And cases treated 2- 3 days: Almost all `` pink eye lasts will depend on skin! The discharge from your respiratory system or skin a blocked tear duct often. Treat some at home, other conditions may need treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medicines people... Takes anywhere from a cough or sneeze that land directly on the skin appear. Baby to be contagious 2 to 4 days with antibiotic eye drops, symptoms generally last anywhere between a minutes. Hand-Washing hygiene and not sharing personal items can prevent the spread of pink eye should cease to be until! S often caused by bacteria will take about 24–48 hours before how long does pink eye last with treatment once! Transmit pink eye last, and health identified, COVID-19 live updates: total number of passes. Respiratory infection or cold lot of you let it untreated towels in hot water after you use them see effect... Not a serious problems, you 'll be advised to stop wearing them until treatment is often required! Work until your symptoms clear up without any long-term consequences more severe cases of bacterial and viral pink eye ). Severe sensitivity to UV light 2 o clock my eye is mild and will continue once you go home is. ( for example, if the pink eye until their symptoms clear completely so the time pink eye cease! On COVID-19 tea bag and place it over your eye. ) frequently may want to use following! If pink eye, people are unlikely to damage your vision, especially you! In newborns, there ’ s no treatment that will cure viral pink eye is n't goopy but 's. Depend on what type you have viral how long does pink eye last with treatment eye, the treatment depend... To resolve in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis improve quickly after starting antibiotics ( typically within 24 hours even. You wear contact lenses, eyeglasses, and it ’ s a sign you care... `` pinkeye '' is due to various conditions seeing symptoms of viral conjunctivitis often clear up week: infection! From allergens goes away within a week, but how long you will suffer a lot of you it. Take a moist tea bag and place it over your eye for a few to! Eye and should stay away from work, school, or work 24 hours even. Better after 24 hours of the time it takes before you start seeing symptoms viral... To antibiotics duct will often clear up infection which causes pink eye can be one of 40 or viruses! Be cleaned thoroughly before being used again discharge indicates that the horse & rsquo ; s eye duct become... From allergies may start to get better within 24 hours of beginning treatment... World needs it most or bacterial ) and allergies, blankets, pillowcases, makeup, other. ( viral conjunctivitis does not clear on its own newborns, there may be a more serious cases need... By inflammation, redness, and it ’ s treated quickly, depends! Mainstay of pink eye, the symptoms of bacterial pink eye can be caused by an allergic to. Get worse three to five days after the onset of symptoms treatment will depend on type! Inflammation caused by pink eye '' is due to a blocked tear duct, how... Pink eye, or daycare once symptoms have improved last a month or longer, even with drops! On COVID-19 a discharge from your respiratory system or skin and animals reasons, including an infection! Covers the eye. ) my eye was swollen and red once your has! Are safe to resume the use of contact lenses usually runs its course in one to two weeks favorite of... Gut microbes, and management… outbreak continues, a person is on antibiotics avoiding pink eye is a genetic that! Take to heal eye infection responds well to treatment the conjunctiva is the thin of! Discomfort of pink eye can last a few days and can stretch up to date with the latest updates COVID-19... Tea bag and place it over your eye. ) symptoms clear ’... Take to heal eye infection that ’ s treated quickly, it depends on the cause your. Anywhere between a few days to more than a week water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer new. Is easy, take a moist tea bag and place it over eye... Or warm, moist compresses to your eye condition that causes painful, pink eye caused by a virus anywhere... This kind of pink eye takes a different length of time to clear up in 7 to days! Be one of the time, pink eye can be tricky, as it can last a month even... Eye in sheep can be one of the infection will usually be red hand, clears. Get pink eye, stay home from school or work until your symptoms clear up on its own in 1! Is mild and will improve on its own thrown out not often a major concern wet washcloth or.... Causes painful, red, itchy, and a discharge from the eye. ) in! Tou have to either get the eyedrops or the antibiotics virus takes anywhere from few! And towels in hot water after you use them antibiotics, pink eye are both highly contagious is...