How is conjunctivitis (pink eye) treated?

Many people likely suffered from “pink eye” during childhood. Pink eye is highly contagious—close contact with an infected individual greatly increases the risk of transmission. In fact, “pink eye” is the common name for conjunctivitis. Patients typically experience copious ocular discharge, yet vision remains unaffected. Nevertheless, prompt and active treatment is essential. Below, we outline effective treatment strategies for pink eye—hopefully offering useful guidance.

How to Treat Pink Eye

Pink eye manifests as conjunctival hyperemia (redness) in one or both eyes, accompanied by abundant mucopurulent discharge; however, visual acuity is usually preserved. Without timely intervention, some cases may progress to chronic conjunctivitis. Specific treatment approaches include the following:

Topical ophthalmic antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy. For severe cases or those associated with systemic symptoms, systemic antimicrobial therapy should be administered according to established clinical guidelines. Commonly used antibiotic eye drops include: levofloxacin hydrochloride eye drops, tobramycin eye drops (Tobrex®), 0.1% rifampicin eye drops, 10–20% sodium sulfacetamide eye drops, 0.3% norfloxacin eye drops, and 0.25% chloramphenicol eye drops. Antiviral eye drops include: 0.1% ribavirin eye drops and 0.1% acyclovir eye drops.

Antibiotic ointments—such as ciprofloxacin, chlortetracycline, or tetracycline ointment—may be applied at bedtime. In viral conjunctivitis, interferon therapy may also be considered when clinically indicated.

Patients’ towels and clothing must be disinfected promptly—for example, by sun exposure, immersion in boiling water, or soaking in disinfectant solution—to thoroughly eliminate pathogens and prevent reinfection or transmission to others.

During treatment, patients should avoid spicy and heat-inducing foods, which may exacerbate inflammation. Additionally, even after all symptoms have completely resolved, patients should continue medication for an additional week to prevent recurrence.

Conjunctival irrigation. Accumulated secretions within the conjunctival sac can cause corneal abrasion and foster pathogen proliferation. Therefore, patients may irrigate the conjunctival sac twice or three times daily—morning and evening—with normal saline or 2% boric acid solution. This helps remove ocular secretions promptly and enhances the efficacy of topical medications.

We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!