Viral conjunctivitis, also called “pink eye,” often comes from an eye infection caused by a cold. The eye infection affects the outer lining of the eye, making the white of the eye appear red. The condition may cause significant itching and irritation in the eye. Though a visit to the eye doctor is not necessary for mild symptoms, if the symptoms do not improve you should seek medical attention.
Medication
Antibiotics do not cure viral conjunctivitis, nor do they improve symptoms. As a result, doctors do not typically prescribe eye drops for pink eye from the common cold, says the American Optometric Association. However, for advanced cases of viral conjunctivitis, eye doctors may prescribe steroid eye drops. The drops will not treat the condition, but they may provide relief from the severe symptoms.
Compresses
Cool compresses offer relief for early or minor symptoms of an eye infection from a cold, says the American Optometric Association. If eyes feel itchy or irritated, wet a washcloth under cool water, then wring out the excess. Gently place the cool, damp cloth over your eyes. You may wish to repeat the process throughout the day to ease the irritation. Warm compresses may help remove matter that dries on the eyelashes overnight. Place a warm, slightly wet washcloth over the eyes to allow the dried matter to loosen. Carefully clean away the matter. For both cool and warm compresses, use a new washcloth each time to reduce the risk of reinfection or contaminating the unaffected eye.
Artificial Tears
Viral conjunctivitis often causes the eyes to feel dry and irritated, and artificial tears help improve these symptoms. These eye drops do not contain medication, so they do not require a prescription. Most drug stores carry a variety of options. People with sensitivities to preservatives should use a preservative free artificial tear to reduce the risk of more irritation to the eye. To enhance the comfort from artificial, a store the eye drops in the refrigerator. Cold artificial tears provide instant relief for many people.
Time
Without a true cure for the condition itself, those with viral conjunctivitis have to wait out the duration of the infection, simply treating symptoms the best they can. An eye infection from the common cold typically lasts around two to three weeks, says MayoClinic.com. However, if symptoms continue to worsen instead of showing gradual improvement, contact an eye doctor immediately for an evaluation.
