Is there anything over-the-counter for pink eye?

Generally speaking, there aren’t any over-the-counter (OTC) medications that will treat viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. However, they may help alleviate symptoms. Artificial tears are often the first OTC treatments recommended by doctors.

Can I go to the pharmacy for pink eye?

A pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis Speak to a pharmacist about conjunctivitis. They can give you advice and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to help with your symptoms. If you need treatment for a child under 2, you’ll need a prescription from a GP.

Do you need to see a doctor for pink eye?

Most cases of pink eye will go away on their own. You don’t always need to see a doctor if you have pink eye. To help your eyes feel less dry, you can use a type of over-the-counter eye drops called artificial tears. You can also use a cold compress (like a cool washcloth) to help with swelling and redness.

When should I go to the doctor for pink eye?

You should see a healthcare provider if you have conjunctivitis along with any of the following: pain in the eye(s) sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does not improve when discharge is wiped from the eye(s) intense redness in the eye(s)

Can you buy antibiotic eye drops over counter?

Chloramphenicol is licensed as a pharmacy (P) medicine and available over the counter (OTC) as chloramphenicol 0.5% w/v eye drops and 1% w/v eye ointment. Pharmacists should be satisfied that the supply will be clinically suitable, and used responsibly and appropriately in line with its marketing authorisation.

What is the main cause of pink eye?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis Most cases of pink eye are typically caused by adenovirus but can also be caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and various other viruses, including the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

How did I get pink eye?

Bacterial conjunctivitis can spread from person to person in many ways. These include from hand-to-eye contact, via eye contact with contaminated objects, through sexual encounters with eye to genital contact, or vertically from mother to baby. Bacteria can also spread by large respiratory tract droplets.