What to do about Pink Eye?

Question

I think I have pink eye (or some kind of infection) in one of my eyes. I am currently wearing glasses...do you think I should throw my current pair of contact lenses away? Would it be bad to wear contacts while infected? I somewhat have a sore throat...so the eye infection may be connected to that. What can I do to relieve the pain?

Answer 1

Definatly see a doctor. If your eye is glued shut in the morning it is pobably pink eye. You might need antibiotic drops but if you have a sore throat you might have to take oral antibiotics.

What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is also commonly referred to as “Pink Eye” or “Red Eye”. It is an infection causing redness and soreness of the conjunctiva which is the thin transparent membrane that lines the inside of your eyelid.


It appears relatively quickly and often will not last for a long period. It can go away on its own but in some cases you will need to see a doctor for treatment.

What causes conjunctivitis?
It can be caused by both bacterial or viral infection. It can also be caused by a number of other things such as unclean contact lenses or allergies such as hay fever.

What are the symptoms?
Your eyes will most likely be red and irritated. The inside of your eyelids will also look redder or pinker than usual.


You may feel as though there is something in your eye. You may also feel a scratching or burning sensation or feeling of fullness around the eyes.

There may be some itching or pain and there is usually some type of discharge that is worse when you wake up as the eyes may be crusty or sticky after sleeping. Mostly both eyes are affected but it often starts with one and then the other follows. Sometimes people with pink eye are sensitive to light.

When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
-severe discharge, redness, or swelling around the eye
-extreme eye pain
-fever
-extreme sensitivity to light
-blurry vision or persistent blurred vision
-pupils are different sizes
-if you had recent eye surgery

What should you do if you have conjunctivitis?
Pink Eye is highly contagious so to prevent the spread of infection, there are a number of things that you can do. Wash your hands thoroughly and more frequently, especially after each time you touch your eyes or face. Wash pillowcases, towels or clothing that may have come in contact with your eye. Throw away make-up, contact lenses or any toiletry that may have touched the eye and avoid wearing make-up or contact lenses.

Do not touch or rub the infected eye because the infection can spread to the good eye. Apply a warm salt water compress for 5 minutes three times a day. Avoid smoke and other irritants.

Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Clean and disinfect your lenses everyday

Never use saliva to clean your contacts

Wash your hands before handling lenses

Never lend or wear another person’s contacts

Insert lenses before applying eye makeup and take them out before removing make-up

Do not sleep with contacts on

Do not wear your lenses for longer than prescribed

Do not let the tip of the solution bottle touch any surface or the contact lens to prevent contamination

Answer 2

I'm not a doctor...seems you have several things happening at once. Get an appointment with your physician and ask all your questions. They will test your blood, look into your eyes, check your throat and take a culture. If you have an infected eye you should not be wearing your contacts (but you called it a "kind-of" infestion...what does that mean?) Any time you have any pain (that doesn't go away in a reasonable length of time....like 24 hours) contact a doctor, tell the receptionist your problem on the phone, tell her you are experiencing pain, and ask to be seen at their next opening, to be "fit in".

Answer 3

If it is pink eye, you must see a doctor. You need antibiotics.

And eye drops are just about the only thing you can do.

I would throw away your contacts and definitely don't put anything in your eye while it is infected.

Answer 4

If you have pink eye or any type of infection get to a Doctor!
You can't get rid of it any other way and it's very easily passed.

Answer 5

I don't think you should wear your contacts. Call the doctor, pink eye is contageous. Its easily cured with prescribed eye drops. If you have a good relationship with your doctor you can tell him / her that you have gunky eyes and you may not have to go in, they can get you a script right away. My kids doctor does it for me when the kids get it.

Answer 6

ive had pink eye before i didnt get it treated for a long time im talking weeks it got sooooo bad it looked blood red it was pretty sick at first it didnt hurt but after having it for so long without any treatment it started to hurt bad so then i went to the doctor i have perfect eye sight but he gave me eye drops...so my suggestion is go to the doctor stat cause pink eye is contagious...good luck

Answer 7

If you have pink eye, see a doctor. You need antibiotics. Any infection in your eye, you need to toss those lenses! Also, clean out the soloution in the case. Call you doctor, wash hands frequently!!!

Answer 8

You HAVE to go to the doctor's. It is highly contagious. You are not allowed to be in schools without meds and a doctor's note.

Answer 9

be very careful...pink eye is very contagious, so just be sure to carry hand sanitizer everywhere you go! visit your doctor too!

Answer 10

Since you wear contacts, it's not that simple. Go to the doc.