Question 1

is there any over the counter eye drops for pink eye? or anything i can get at a drug store to make it go away?

Accepted Answer

"Pink eye": There are many causes for a red eye, including trauma, eye disease ( glaucoma, retinal detachment), allergies, and infection (bacterial or viral). Treatment depends on the cause and your primary care doctor can help you sort this out.  Over the counter allergy treatments are available, but most causes require Rx, intervention or observation.

Question 2

i am 99% sure i have pink eye. with no time or access to a doctor, what is the best eye drops or cream to get over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Tears : Pink eye typically refers to viral conjunctivitis. It usually affects both eyes and because it is due to a virus, is treated symptomatically with otc preservative-free artificial tears. Problem is that this cannot be self- diagnosed. There are many causes of a red eye, some of which can be quite serious. You need to see an eye md for diagnosis and treatment.

Question 3

i think i have pink eye. i don't have time or a way to get to the doctor. what is the best eye drops or cream to get over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamine: You may use zaditor (ketotifen) ophthalmic solution ANS see your doctor the following day.

Question 4

which over-the-counter eye drop can i use for conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

None really: Most "pinkeye" or conjunctivitis is actually viral, so eye drops, including antibiotics, are usually not effective. Viral conjunctivitis tends to run it's course in 7-10 days. It can be very contagious, spreading from one eye to the other or to other people. Hand washing is essential. To be certain it is not a more serious bacterial or fungal infection, you should see an ophthalmologist.

Question 5

i am using polytrim eye drops for bilateral conjunctivitis and the directions say use one drop every 3 hours in the effected eye(s), maximum 6 doses. dose this mean 6 total doses between each eye combined, or 6 times per eye?

Accepted Answer

: 6 doses each eye.

Question 6

can some eye drops exacerbate your conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Some have preservatives (longer shelf life) and may also irritate the conjunctiva due to sensitivities of individual patients.

Question 7

i have bad conjunctivitis and i got eye drops, but not working - what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Not much: Usually viral and drops dont help. Should be gone in a week or so, like a cold.

Question 8

how long does it generally take for conjunctivitis to heal once you have started eye drops?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis can often take up to two weeks to heal and is unresponsive to antibiotics.  The body's immune system builds up resistance to the virus and fights it off.  Bacterial conjunctivitis often responds within a week to antibiotics.

Question 9

what to do if i was conjunctivitis yesterday and want to cure it by tomorrow! i'm taking eye drops every 2 hours! how can i cure it by tomorrow!?

Accepted Answer

May not happen: You may not be able to cure conjunctivitis within 24 hrs unless it's just due to minor allergies. Be very careful not to overuse the eye drops as that may produce damaging side effects to eyes. Every 2 hours sounds too frequent and unsafe.

Question 10

what do you suggest if i had conjunctivitis yesterday and want to cure it by tomorrow! i'm taking eye drops every 2 hours! how can i cure it by tomorrow!?

Accepted Answer

Ophthalmologist: You need to ask this question to your local ophthalmologist. Nothing is cured overnight.
What you want and what you get are two different things.
good luck

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Conjunctivitis eye drops over the counter

A member asked:

Is there any over the counter eye drops for pink eye? or anything i can get at a drug store to make it go away?

A member asked:

I am 99% sure i have pink eye. with no time or access to a doctor, what is the best eye drops or cream to get over the counter?

A member asked:

I think i have pink eye. i don't have time or a way to get to the doctor. what is the best eye drops or cream to get over the counter?

A member asked:

Which over-the-counter eye drop can i use for conjunctivitis?

A member asked:

I am using polytrim eye drops for bilateral conjunctivitis and the directions say use one drop every 3 hours in the effected eye(s), maximum 6 doses. dose this mean 6 total doses between each eye combined, or 6 times per eye?

A member asked:

Can some eye drops exacerbate your conjunctivitis?

A member asked:

I have bad conjunctivitis and i got eye drops, but not working - what can i do?

A member asked:

How long does it generally take for conjunctivitis to heal once you have started eye drops?

A member asked:

What to do if i was conjunctivitis yesterday and want to cure it by tomorrow! i'm taking eye drops every 2 hours! how can i cure it by tomorrow!?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if i had conjunctivitis yesterday and want to cure it by tomorrow! i'm taking eye drops every 2 hours! how can i cure it by tomorrow!?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?