Eye infections such as conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, may cause a variety of symptoms. Most people experience eye redness, itching, swelling and discharge from the infected eye. The eye also may be painful, irritated and sensitive to light. Knowing some of the remedies to help the infection may offer relief from these painful symptoms.
Compresses
Though an eye infection could have a number of causes, such as from bacteria or a virus like the common cold, compresses may help symptoms caused any of these infections. Some people find that a cool compress offers the best relief, while other types of infections respond to a warm compress, states MayoClinic.com.
Wet a cloth with either warm or cool water, and squeeze out the excess. Rest the cloth against closed eyelids. You may use compresses as often as needed throughout the day, until symptoms ease. If you have an infection in only one eye, do not place the compress on both eyes in order to avoid contaminating the uninfected eye.
Medications
Eye infections that result from bacteria may respond to an antibiotic eyedrop. For many people, the infection and symptoms will improve within a few days after beginning the treatment, according to the American Optometric Association. If the infection results from a virus, such as the virus linked to the common cold, doctors cannot offer a treatment for the infection. As such, the viral infection must simply improve on its own, which may take up to three weeks. However, if symptoms fail to improve or worsen, an eye doctor may prescribe a steroid eyedrop to reduce some of the inflammation.
Artificial Tears
For some people, an eye infection may cause surface irritation and discomfort. In such cases, using over-the-counter artificial tears may help relieve some of these symptoms, explains MayoClinic.com. Though the drops will not offer a remedy for the infection itself, the artificial tears may offer an effective way to keep the surface of the eye lubricated. These eyedrops do not contain a medication, and they do not require a prescription. However, many varieties contain preservatives, and a person with a sensitivity to these agents should use a preservative-free artificial tear in order to prevent further irritation in the eyes.
