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What are the Different Types of Conjunctivitis Eye Drops?

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman

Bacteria and viruses, allergies, or exposure to an irritant can cause conjunctivitis, or pink eye. As there are several causes of conjunctivitis, there are several types of conjunctivitis eye drops. Some conjunctivitis eye drops are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. It's important that a patient find the cause of her conjunctivitis before using eye drops or another medication to treat it.

Several types of conjunctivitis eye drops may help relieve the symptoms of pink eye caused by an allergen. Decongestant eye drops constrict the blood vessels in the eye, reducing redness. Unfortunately, decongestant conjunctivitis eye drops can make the condition worse if they are used for longer than a few days.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

Antihistamine eye drops can also relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis caused by allergies. A person can find antihistamine eye drops over the counter or by prescription. The drops soothe itchy eyes and reduce redness but need to be used often because the effects do not last very long. A person who wears contact lenses may need to avoid antihistamine eye drops or wear glasses while treating pink eye, as the drops can irritate eyes with contact lenses. The drops may sting when applied and may initially make the eyes redder.

Conjunctivitis eye drops may be used to treat pink eye.
Conjunctivitis eye drops may be used to treat pink eye.

Conjunctivitis eye drops made of corticosteroids may also be used to treat allergic pink eye. Corticosteroid drops can be risky, so a person should use them only with the permission and supervision of her doctor. Using corticosteroid drops can cause pressure buildup in the eye, which can affect a person's vision. Prolonged use can lead to cataracts or glaucoma.

Antibiotic conjunctivitis eye drops treat pink eye caused by bacteria.
Antibiotic conjunctivitis eye drops treat pink eye caused by bacteria.

Antibiotic conjunctivitis eye drops treat pink eye caused by bacteria. A common antibiotic eye drop is ciprofloxacin. Another common antibiotic is trimethoprim-polymyxin. Both effectively treat a wide range of bacteria. Typically, a person with bacterial conjunctivitis uses the drops for a week or 10 days. The drops need to be applied several times a day.

Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the clear outer membrane of the eye called the conjunctiva.
Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the clear outer membrane of the eye called the conjunctiva.

Even after the symptoms clear up, a person should continue to use the antibiotic eye drops to make sure the infection is completely cleared up and does not return. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to treat a case of viral conjunctivitis, as it can be hard to tell whether the condition is caused by bacteria or a virus.

In cases where the conjunctivitis is caused by the herpes virus, a doctor may prescribe trifluridine eye drops. Trifluridine drops need to be applied every two hours when a person is awake. The drops can cause blurred vision, so a person should take care before driving when using them.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

I've used the homeopathic conjunctivitis eye drops before. I got them at the drugstore when I couldn't afford to see the eye doctor. They did help. I knew I had pink eye, and knew I couldn't get antibiotic drops without a prescription, so I had to do what I could. If I'd waited another day, I doubt the homeopathic drops would have done much good, but I went on and started on them, and they did ease the symptoms.

If I'd been able to afford the copay, I'd have gone to the eye doctor, but I was really broke, so I had to do the best I could. I did talk to the pharmacist, and she advised the drops. She said they certainly wouldn't hurt me, and she knew they had helped people before. I'd use the homeopathic drops again if I thought I caught the infection in time.

Grivusangel

When I had conjunctivitis, my doctor prescribed antibiotic/cortisone drops. He said he did that because the antibiotics were necessary for my infection, but the steroid would ease the *intense* itching. And it was intense. And hit suddenly.

I was driving back to work from lunch and my left eye itched a little. I rubbed it and that's all she wrote. I suddenly had incredible itching in that eye and by the time I got to the office, I was having discharge and it was as red as it could be.

Fortunately, my eye doctor was open until 5:30 p.m. and I got to his office. He said he wasn't sure why it happened so suddenly, but he could help. He rinsed my eye with saline, which eased some of the itching and then put the drops in. I had to use them for three more days. But they helped.

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    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Conjunctivitis eye drops may be used to treat pink eye.
      By: apops
      Conjunctivitis eye drops may be used to treat pink eye.
    • Antibiotic conjunctivitis eye drops treat pink eye caused by bacteria.
      By: Stacy Barnett
      Antibiotic conjunctivitis eye drops treat pink eye caused by bacteria.
    • Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the clear outer membrane of the eye called the conjunctiva.
      By: joshya
      Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the clear outer membrane of the eye called the conjunctiva.
    • Prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops can cause glaucoma.
      By: joshya
      Prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops can cause glaucoma.
    • Antihistamine eye drops may be prescribed by an eye doctor.
      By: arztsamui
      Antihistamine eye drops may be prescribed by an eye doctor.