1. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Slideshow Pictures
2. Eye Diseases Slideshow Pictures
3. Cataracts Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Pink eye facts
• What is "pink eye"?
• What infections cause pink eye, what are infectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
• What noninfectious conditions cause pink eye, what are noninfectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
• What are home treatments and care for pink eye?
• How can I prevent the spread of pink eye?
• Pictures of Pink Eye - Slideshow
• Pictures of Eye Diseases - Slideshow
• Pictures of Cataracts - Slideshow
• Patient Comments: Pink Eye - Contagious
• Patient Comments: Pink Eye - Length Symptoms Lasted
• Find a local Eye Doctor in your town
• Pink Eye Index

Home treatment for pink eye should not be a substitute for seeking the advice of a health-care practitioner, and it is important to take all medications as prescribed and to follow your health-care practitioner's instructions for managing your condition. However, there are steps you can take at home to help relieve the symptoms of pink eye. Moist warm compresses applied to the eyes can help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter artificial tears (eyedrops) can also bring relief.

You should not wear contact lenses until the pink eye has resolved. Your health-care practitioner can offer guidance about when it is safe to resume the use of contact lenses. Eye makeup and cosmetic creams should also be avoided in the eye area until your symptoms have resolved.

Infectious forms of pink eye are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact with infected people. If you or your child has infectious pink eye, avoid touching the eye area and wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the eye area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and throw away tissues after each use. Disinfecting surfaces like countertops, sinks, and doorknobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.

REFERENCE:

Silverman, Michael A., and Edward Bessman. "Emergent Treatment of Acute Conjunctivitis." Medscape.com. May 24, 2011. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/797874-overview>.