The treatment depends on the cause.
Viruses. This type of pinkeye often results from the viruses that cause a common cold. Just as a cold must run its course, the same is true for this form of pinkeye, which usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Remember, it can be very contagious, so do everything you can to prevent its spread. Antibiotics will not help anything caused by a virus. Pinkeye caused by the herpes virus can be very serious and may need prescription antiviral eye drops, ointment, or pills.
Bacteria. If bacteria, including those related to STDs, caused your pinkeye, you’ll take antibiotics. You may need to apply eye drops or ointments to the inside of your eyelid three to four times a day for 5 to 7 days. For more stubborn infections or for rare cases of pinkeye caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia, you might get an oral antibiotic. You would take pills for several days. The infection should improve within a week. Take or use the medicines as instructed by your doctor, even after the symptoms go away.
Irritants. For pinkeye caused by an irritating substance, use water to wash the substance from the eye for 5 minutes. Your eyes should begin to improve within 4 hours. If your conjunctivitis was caused by acid or alkaline material such as bleach, immediately rinse the eyes with lots of water and call your doctor right away.
