When Pink eye is associated with a bacterial or viral infection it appears a couple of days after contact with the infected person or an object that was contaminated with the virus.

When the infection is caused by bacteria the condition is treated using antibiotics. Physicians may prescribe ointment or eye drops that are antibiotics but they don’t often prescribe a more systemic antibiotic that is taken by mouth. This is because the infection is usually localized to the eye and the antibiotics are most effective when placed in the area of the infection.

Parents of infants often find that ointment is easier to administer to babies than are eye drops.

If the Pink eye is caused by a viral infection antibiotics will not be effective against the germ. In this case the treatment often consists of antihistamines to keep the eyes dry and help the itching and anti inflammatory medications to help the swelling in the eye. Patients often find that cold compresses are helpful to ease the discomfort.

Antibiotics are often used to help prevent a secondary infection in the eye as well. Although antibiotics aren’t effective against a viral eye infection they are helpful if a secondary bacterial infection set up shop with the virus.

Viral pink eye infections usually last from about seven to 10 days. Viral conjunctivitis tends to affect one eye while a bacterial or allergic cause will usually affect both eyes.

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