Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. This condition can make your eyes appear red, watery, and irritated. While pink eye is common and usually not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, highly contagious. If you’ve been diagnosed and started treatment, you may be wondering: how long until my eyes look and feel normal again? Continue reading to learn more!
For same-day pink eye treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our team is available 7 days a week to provide quality care for a range of conditions. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
How Long Pink Eye Lasts By Type
1. Bacterial Pink Eye
- With Treatment: Symptoms often improve within 1-2 days after starting antibiotic eye drops or ointment
- Full Recovery: Typically between 3-5 days, though some cases may take up to a week
- Without Treatment: May last up to 10 days or longer and can spread more easily
2. Viral Pink Eye
- With Treatment: There’s no antibiotic for viral pink eye, but supportive care (cool compresses, lubricating drops) can ease discomfort
- Recovery Time: Usually 7-14 days, though severe cases can last up to 3 weeks
- Contagious Period: Often most contagious in the first 3-5 days after symptoms start
3. Allergic Pink Eye
- With Treatment: Antihistamine eye drops, oral allergy medications, and avoiding triggers can provide relief within a few hours to a couple of days
- Recovery Time: Symptoms last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen, but may disappear quickly once exposure ends
Other Factors That Affect Recovery Time
The severity of your symptoms, how soon you begin treatment, and your overall health can influence how quickly pink eye clears up. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing personal items, can help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of reinfection.
To help pink eye heal faster, these steps can help shorten recovery time:
- Complete your full course of antibiotics if prescribed, even if symptoms improve
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can spread infection
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
- Use clean towels, washcloths, and pillowcases daily to prevent reinfection
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until your provider says its safe
- Remove eye makeup and avoid using any cosmetics until you’re fully recovered
When To See a Medical Provider
While most cases of pink eye are mild, you should seek medical care if you experience intense pain, sudden vision changes, swelling around the eye, light sensitivity, or symptoms that worsen or don’t improve within a few days of treatment. These signs may indicate a more serious infection or another eye condition that requires prompt attention.
Get Walk-In Pink Eye Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth in Elizabeth, NJ
With the right treatment, bacterial pink eye typically clears up within a week, viral pink eye may take up to two weeks, and allergic pink eye can resolve quickly once the allergen is removed. If your symptoms persist or worsen, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our medical team can help determine the cause and recommend the most effective treatment plan. We can provide clarity through a physical exam and prescribe personalized treatment. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We accept most major health insurance carriers and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about pink eye treatment, please call our team directly at (908) 677-5900.
