Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that causes redness, itching, and discharge. Many people wonder if it goes away on its own, and the good news is, it often does. Most mild cases of pink eye clear up within 7 to 14 days without medical treatment. However, getting rid of pink eye quickly requires the right care and precautions to avoid discomfort and prevent spreading it to others.
If you’re experiencing eye irritation, redness, or discomfort, you may have pink eye. At AFC Urgent Care Medford, our walk-in clinic in Medford, MA, offers same-day care for cases of pink eye. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online in advance below.
How to Get Rid of Pink Eye Fast
The first step to treating pink eye effectively is identifying the type you have:
- Viral pink eye is the most common and usually clears up on its own
- Bacterial pink eye may require prescription antibiotic eye drops
- Allergic pink eye often improves once you avoid the allergen or take antihistamines
To speed up recovery, gently clean the affected eye with a warm, damp cloth to remove discharge. Use artificial tears to soothe irritation and reduce dryness. If symptoms are severe or worsen after a few days, visit a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Best Home Remedies for Pink Eye
While waiting for pink eye to clear, you can try these safe and effective remedies:
- Warm compresses: Apply a clean, warm washcloth to the affected eye several times a day to relieve discomfort.
- Cold compresses: If your eyes feel itchy or swollen, a cold compress can reduce irritation.
- Artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops keep the eyes moist and help flush out irritants.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, dust, and makeup until your eye has fully healed.
These remedies help manage symptoms, but they do not replace professional medical treatment if you have bacterial pink eye or severe symptoms.
How to Avoid Spreading Pink Eye to Others
Pink eye spreads easily, especially the viral and bacterial types. To protect family members, coworkers, and friends, consider these tips:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, or cosmetics.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and phones.
- Stay home from school or work until the infection improves, especially if you have discharge.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Medford for Walk-In Pink Eye Treatment
Although most cases of pink eye are mild, you should seek medical care if you notice severe pain, sensitivity to light, vision changes, or a large amount of discharge. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye infection that requires prescription medication or further evaluation. Seeking medical care while your symptoms are still manageable will ensure that you can stay comfortable during the healing process and prevent complications.
At AFC Urgent Care Medford, our board-certified medical providers are standing by to provide rapid treatment for eye infections like pink eye. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We’re open 7 days a week and treat patients of all ages. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable rates for patients paying out of pocket. To learn more, give the clinic a call at (617) 582-2800.
