Don't let pinkeye get you down

Be careful to diagnose a case of conjunctivitis

You may think you only have bloodshot eyes from exposure to the sunlight or dust, but it could be than you have the symptoms of conjunctivitis. As long as you are careful in treating and curing your conjunctivitis, you should not have to itch for long. Indeed medication for conjunctivitis is geared towards stopping you from scratching your eyes, as this is one of the worst ways to cure conjunctivitis. The more you itch an infected eye, the slower you will be cured from conjunctivitis.

There are three common varieties of conjunctivitis: viral, allergic, and bacterial.

Although there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis, symptomatic relief may be achieved with cool compresses and artificial tears. For the worst cases, topical eye drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. However prolonged usage of drops increases the risk of side effects. Antibiotic drops may also be used for treatment of complimentary infections. Conjunctivitis patients are often advised to avoid touching their eyes or sharing towels and washcloths. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 3 weeks. However in worst cases it may take over a month.

Alternative conjunctivitis medication

Aside from staying away from your own eyes or sharing other people's cloths, you can also avoid irritants such as smoke and chlorinated swimming pool water. This should speed up your recovery period. Be sure to take Vitamin A and C to improve your eyesight and your ability to recover from infection as well.