Get online treatment for pink eye in a blink

Reviewed by Theresa H. Care Delivery Manager & Family Nurse Practitioner

Time saver 3 min read

You wake up in the morning and rub the sleep from your eyes, but something doesn’t feel right. Why is your eye so itchy and irritated? And why is it pink and teary? Likely, you have pink eye. Keep reading to learn more about this common eye condition, simple at-home care tips and how to quickly get online treatment for pink eye.

What are symptoms of pink eye?

As the name suggests, the telltale sign of pink eye is a reddish or pinkish tint to the eye. Most people will experience other symptoms as well.

Common pink eye symptoms

  • Irritation, itching or burning
  • A gritty or scratchy feeling
  • Discharge or crust around the affected eye(s)
  • Increased tear production
  • Eye swelling and redness

Online treatment for pink eye

Fortunately, pink eye is relatively easy to treat. Viral cases typically clear up on their own within a week or two. And if bacteria is the cause, prescription antibiotic eye drops for pink eye should quickly clear it up.

You don’t need to be seen in person to get pink eye treatment. At the first sign of symptoms, start a visit at Virtuwell’s online clinic. Simply answer a few questions about your symptoms, upload photos, and one of our clinicians will review your information and provide a personalized treatment plan along with a prescription for antibiotic eye drops.

How to treat pink eye symptoms at home

You can ease common pink eye symptoms like itching, crusting and general discomfort by following these at-home care tips.

Pink eye at-home care tips

Use artificial tears

Avoid using anti-redness eye drops – they sting! Instead, to help soothe discomfort, opt for drops that are labeled as lubricating artificial tears.

Apply a warm compress

Place a warm wet washcloth over the affected eye to soften and remove any crusty discharge. Repeat as needed and use a clean washcloth each time.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help quiet discomfort. Make sure to follow dosing instructions on the package label.

Avoid contacts and cosmetics

Anything that irritates your eyes could prolong recovery. Skip the mascara, ditch your contacts and wear eyeglasses while you heal.

How to prevent spreading pink eye

If you or someone in your household has pink eye, it’s important to take steps to prevent spreading it to others.

Tips to prevent spreading pink eye

Don’t touch your eyes

We know it’s hard! Especially when your eyes are so itchy. Do you best to distract yourself and keep your hands away from your face.

Wash your hands frequently

Even when you’re trying to avoid touching your eyes, you might accidently slip up. Wash your hands well and often to avoid spreading pink eye to others.

Don’t share towels or washcloths

Use separate towels and washcloths from the rest of your family and use fresh ones with each use to prevent reinfecting yourself or your other eye.

Change pillowcases

A pink eye infection causes your eye to tear and drain more, so it’s important to change your pillowcase daily.

Throw away cosmetics

Any mascara, eyeliner or contact lenses you or your family member used before a pink eye diagnosis should be thrown out to prevent reinfection.

Clear up pink eye

Pink eye can be uncomfortable and disrupt your busy life. The good news is that there’s a faster and more convenient way to treat pink eye. Get pink eye treatment online today.

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