6Treatment Options
Treatment options for conjunctivitis focus on alleviating the symptoms. Your doctor would recommend artificial tears, warm and cold compresses, or a wet cloth to clean the eyelids. Antiviral drugs can help with viral conjunctivitis. For the allergic form, many eye drops can help, such as steroids, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, or antihistamines. They can be purchased over the counter to help relieve itchiness and irritation in your eyes.
For those who wear contact lenses, it is better to stop using them until symptoms improve. How long to go without them can vary, depending on the underlying cause. It is better to consult your healthcare provider whether you should get rid of disposable contacts, lens cases, and cleaning solutions.
A simple home remedy for conjunctivitis is to apply a compress to the irritated eyes. All you need is to soak a clean cloth in water and gently apply it to the closed eyelids. To soothe your eyes better, you should use cool water. However, warm water is also good if you want. When both eyes are affected, make sure to use different clothes for each eye. This can help lower the risk of spreading the virus. [6]
