Allergies Health Center

Allergy Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

How Can I Relieve Symptoms of Allergic Pink Eye?

To relieve symptoms of allergic pink eye:

• Remove contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Place cold compresses on your eyes.
• Try nonprescription "artificial tears," a type of eye drop that may help relieve itching and burning (note: Other types of eye drops may irritate the eyes and should not be used). Do not use the same bottle of drops in the other eye if it is not affected.

The best defense against allergic pink eye is a good offense: Try to avoid substances that trigger your allergies. An allergy specialist can test to determine what your specific triggers might be.

Other Tips for Allergic Pink Eye

• Don't touch or rub the affected eye(s).
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup.
• Don't share eye makeup with anyone else.
• Never wear another person's contact lens.
• Wear glasses instead of contact lenses to reduce irritation.
• Wash your hands before applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child's eye.
• Do not use eye drops that were used in an infected eye in a noninfected eye.