An irritation or inflammation of the membrane that lines the surface of the eye and the eyelid is called conjunctivitis or pink eye. Itching, tearing, burning, sensitivity to light, redness, swelling of the eyelids, drainage from the eye, and feeling as if there was something in the eye are common symptoms of pink eye.

Pink eye can be caused by allergies or infections from bacteria or viruses. Pink eye treatment is focused on relieving uncomfortable symptoms since most cases of pink eye are from viral infections which have no medical treatment. Since many cases of pink eye can be contagious, people with pink eye should try to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Frequent handwashing is strongly suggested to prevent the spread of pink eye. People should avoid touching tissues or washcloths that have been used by the person with pink eye. Many doctors do not prescribe drops for pink eye since the drops can easily become contaminated and prolong infection and instead of curing it.

People with pink eye who wear contact lenses should not wear their contacts while they have an eye infection. In most cases, the pink eye will clear on its own in three to five days. Pink eye treatment at home can help reduce the symptoms and make a person more comfortable.

People with pink eye may prefer to use either warm or cold compresses. Either can provide relief. Clean compress it should be used for each eye out for each application of compresses.

Frequently washing the eye may provide some temporary relief. The eye is infected with pink eye should be wiped from the inside corner close the nose to the outside corner with a clean tissue, moistens cotton balls, or wet washcloth. Any tissues or cotton balls used need to be thrown away immediately after use.

Any washcloth that are used as compresses or to wipe the eyes should be placed in the laundry immediately after use. Wash cloths should not be used for both eyes or for more than one use without being washed first.

A home remedy for pink eye is to heat a tea bag of green tea in hot water for one minute before using it as a warm compress. Then after the tea bag goes cold, it should be squeezed to allow a little bit of the green tea onto the closed eyelid over the eyelashes so that some may go into the eye. If both eyes are infected, two tea bags should be used.