How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast

How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast: Evidence‑Based Guide (2026)

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is common, contagious, and uncomfortable—but most cases are mild and clear up on their own. “Fast” relief really means two things:

Relieving symptoms quickly
Treating the underlying cause correctly so it doesn’t drag on or spread

Below is an up‑to‑date, evidence‑based guide on how to get rid of pink eye fast, with treatments and home care options backed by reputable medical sources.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and inner eyelids. This inflammation makes the eye look red or pink and often feels gritty or irritated. The Cleveland Clinic notes that conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions and can be viral, bacterial, or allergic in origin, as well as caused by irritants or foreign bodies (Cleveland Clinic – Conjunctivitis overview).

Common Symptoms

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical pink eye symptoms include (CDC – Conjunctivitis clinical overview):

Pink or red color in the white of the eye
Swelling of the conjunctiva or eyelids
Increased tear production
Feeling like there is sand or grit in the eye
Itching, irritation, or burning
Discharge that can form a crust overnight
Light sensitivity (photophobia) in some cases

Types of Pink Eye (And Why It Matters for Getting Rid of It Quickly)

How you get rid of pink eye fast depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have. Treatment differs for viral, bacterial, and allergic forms.

1. Viral Pink Eye

Most common type in adults
Often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection
Usually starts in one eye and may spread to the other

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes that viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and that most cases are caused by adenoviruses; it usually clears on its own within 1–2 weeks (AAO – Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)).

Key point: Antibiotics do not help viral pink eye, as the CDC and AAO both emphasize (CDC – Conjunctivitis treatment; AAO – Pink Eye).

2. Bacterial Pink Eye

More common in children
Often causes thicker, yellow/green discharge
Eyelids may stick together, especially on waking

The CDC explains that common bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae (CDC – Conjunctivitis clinical overview).

Key point: Bacterial pink eye can clear on its own in 2–5 days, but antibiotic eye drops or ointment can shorten the illness and reduce transmission (CDC – Conjunctivitis treatment).

3. Allergic Pink Eye

Often affects both eyes
Strong itching, watery discharge
Associated with hay fever, seasonal allergies, or exposure to allergens

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) notes that allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an immune reaction to allergens like pollen or pet dander and is not contagious (ACAAI – Allergic Conjunctivitis).

Key point: Treating the allergy (antihistamines, avoiding triggers) is crucial to quick relief.

4. Irritant / Chemical Pink Eye

Exposure to smoke, chlorine (swimming pools), fumes, or chemical splashes can cause conjunctival irritation. The AAO advises immediate eye flushing with clean water and urgent care for chemical injuries (AAO – Eye injuries).

How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast: By Type

Fast Relief for Viral Pink Eye

Because viral pink eye usually needs to run its course, “fast” treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing spread.

The CDC and AAO recommend the following supportive measures (CDC – Conjunctivitis treatment; AAO – Pink Eye):

Cool or warm compresses
- Use a clean cloth soaked in warm or cool water.
- Apply to closed eyelids for a few minutes several times a day.
- Use a different cloth for each eye to avoid spreading infection.
Lubricating (artificial tear) eye drops
- Over‑the‑counter lubricating drops can reduce burning and irritation.
- Avoid “redness‑relief” drops long-term; they can cause rebound redness, as the AAO warns (AAO – Eye drops: how to use them).
Avoid contact lenses
- The CDC advises not wearing contacts until the eye is completely clear and a healthcare provider says it’s safe (CDC – Conjunctivitis prevention).
Topical antiviral drops (only for specific viruses)
- For severe viral conjunctivitis caused by herpes viruses, ophthalmologists may prescribe antiviral eye drops or pills. The AAO stresses that this must be evaluated and treated by an eye specialist, as herpes eye infection can threaten vision (AAO – Herpes keratitis).

Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks for most cases. Symptom‑relief strategies can make it feel better much sooner even though the virus needs time to clear.

Fast Relief for Bacterial Pink Eye

For bacterial conjunctivitis, appropriate antibiotic treatment can shorten how long you’re contagious and speed recovery.

The CDC outlines that healthcare providers may prescribe (CDC – Conjunctivitis treatment):

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments such as erythromycin, polymyxin‑trimethoprim, or fluoroquinolone preparations, depending on the case.
These medications often lead to improvement within 24–48 hours.

To get rid of bacterial pink eye fast:

See a clinician for diagnosis and prescription
- As per the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), not all red eyes need antibiotics, so proper evaluation matters (AAFP – Diagnosis and Management of Red Eye).
Use the antibiotic exactly as directed
- Do not stop early, even if your eye looks better in a day or two.
- Follow drop or ointment instructions for frequency and duration.
Clean discharge regularly
- Use a clean, damp cloth or cotton pad to gently wipe away crusts from the eyelids and lashes. The Mayo Clinic advises wiping from the inside (near the nose) to the outside and discarding the cloth afterward (Mayo Clinic – Pink eye (conjunctivitis)).
Stay off contact lenses and eye makeup
- Discard any eye makeup or contact lenses used just before or during infection, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic, to prevent reinfection (Mayo Clinic – Pink eye prevention).

Typical timeline: With antibiotics, many bacterial cases improve significantly in 1–2 days and resolve within about a week (CDC – Conjunctivitis treatment).

Fast Relief for Allergic Pink Eye

To get rid of allergic pink eye fast, you need to both reduce exposure to allergens and use anti‑allergy treatments.

The ACAAI and AAO recommend (ACAAI – Allergic Conjunctivitis; AAO – Eye Allergies):

Allergen avoidance
- Keep windows closed during high pollen counts.
- Use air conditioning and high‑efficiency filters if possible.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors in pollen seasons.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom if pet dander is a trigger.
Cold compresses
- Applying a cold, damp cloth over closed eyes reduces itching and swelling.
Over‑the‑counter antihistamine or antihistamine/mast‑cell stabilizer eye drops
- Options include ketotifen or olopatadine formulations.
- The AAO notes that these can provide rapid relief and are a mainstay of allergic conjunctivitis treatment (AAO – Eye allergies).
Oral antihistamines
- When nasal allergies and eye symptoms occur together, oral antihistamines (such as cetirizine or loratadine) can help, per ACAAI guidance (ACAAI – Eye allergy treatment).
Prescription treatments for severe or chronic cases
- Ophthalmologists may prescribe stronger mast‑cell stabilizers, anti‑inflammatory drops, or short courses of topical corticosteroids, with careful monitoring due to potential side effects (AAO – Eye allergies).

Typical timeline: With proper anti‑allergy eye drops and avoidance, symptoms often improve within hours to a couple of days.

Irritant / Chemical Pink Eye: Urgent Steps

For irritation from smoke, dust, or mild irritants:

Rinse the eye with clean water or saline.
Remove contact lenses.
Use lubricating drops and avoid further exposure.

For chemical splashes, the AAO advises emergency care (AAO – Eye injuries):

Immediately flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes (shower, eyewash station, or sink).
Seek urgent medical or emergency eye care—even if the eye looks better—because some chemicals can cause delayed but serious damage.

Home Remedies That Are Actually Backed by Experts

Many “home remedies” are discussed online, but only a few are consistently recommended by medical authorities for pink eye.

Safe At‑Home Measures (Supportive Care)

Based on guidance from the CDC, Mayo Clinic, AAO, and Cleveland Clinic (CDC – Conjunctivitis treatment; Mayo Clinic – Pink eye care; AAO – Pink Eye; Cleveland Clinic – Conjunctivitis):

Warm or cool compresses for comfort
Lubricating artificial tears
Frequent gentle cleaning of discharge from lids/lashes
Avoiding contact lenses until fully resolved
Resting the eyes (limiting screen time if it worsens discomfort)

These do not “cure” the cause, but they can significantly reduce pain, itching, and swelling while the infection or allergy is treated or resolves.

Remedies You Should Avoid

Ophthalmology and public health sources warn against several popular but unsafe approaches:

No sharing or reusing cloths or towels between eyes or individuals (CDC) (CDC – Conjunctivitis prevention).
No eye drops labeled for “redness relief” long‑term, due to rebound redness (AAO) (AAO – Eye drops: how to use them).
No herbal or home‑made drops (e.g., honey, breast milk, essential oils) placed directly in the eye—these are not evidence‑based and can introduce bacteria or cause chemical irritation, as eye‑care organizations caution broadly about non‑sterile products in eyes (AAO – Tips to protect your eyes).
No topical corticosteroid use without an eye doctor’s supervision, as steroids can worsen some infections and increase eye pressure (AAO – Eye health myths).

How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast Without Spreading It

To truly “get rid of pink eye fast,” you must also prevent reinfection and transmission. The CDC provides specific hygiene and prevention recommendations (CDC – Conjunctivitis prevention):

Hand hygiene
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your eyes or face.
- Use an alcohol‑based sanitizer (≥60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- This spreads infection between eyes and to other people and surfaces.
Don’t share personal items
- Towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye drops, cosmetics, or eye makeup should not be shared.
- Wash pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in hot water and detergent.
Stay off contact lenses until fully recovered
- Clean or replace contact lens cases and discard current lenses per CDC and FDA guidance on lens hygiene (CDC – Healthy contact lens wear).
Return to work or school only when safe
- The CDC notes that people with bacterial conjunctivitis who are on antibiotics and improving may return after 24 hours, depending on local policies, while those with viral conjunctivitis should avoid close contact while eyes are red and tearing (CDC – Conjunctivitis in schools).

When “Fast” Must Mean “Get Help Now”

Certain symptoms indicate a more serious eye condition that needs urgent medical care. The AAO, Mayo Clinic, and AAFP all emphasize prompt evaluation for any “red flag” features (AAO – When to see an eye doctor; Mayo Clinic – Pink eye symptoms and causes; AAFP – Red Eye):

Seek urgent or emergency eye care if you have:

Moderate to severe eye pain
Sudden change or loss of vision
Intense light sensitivity
Severe headache with nausea or vomiting
A history of recent eye surgery or eye injury
A compromised immune system (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy, uncontrolled diabetes)
Very red eye with decreased vision (possible keratitis, uveitis, or glaucoma)
Symptoms not improving or worsening after 24–48 hours of appropriate treatment

These conditions can sometimes masquerade as “pink eye” but are more serious and can threaten vision if not treated quickly.

Step‑By‑Step Summary: How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast

Using the evidence above, here’s a concise, type‑specific plan:

If You Suspect Viral Pink Eye

Use cool or warm compresses and lubricating eye drops for comfort (CDC – Treatment).
Don’t request antibiotics; they won’t help.
Isolate contact with others as much as possible for the first several days.
If symptoms are severe, one‑sided with sharp pain, or not improving after a week, see an eye doctor.

If You Suspect Bacterial Pink Eye

See a clinician for possible antibiotic eye drops or ointment, especially if there is thick pus‑like discharge (CDC – Treatment).
Expect improvement within 24–48 hours with proper antibiotics.
Gently clean the eye and lashes several times daily (Mayo Clinic – Treatment).
Follow strict hand and towel hygiene to avoid spreading it.

If You Suspect Allergic Pink Eye

Apply cold compresses and avoid rubbing the eyes.
Use OTC antihistamine or antihistamine/mast‑cell stabilizer eye drops as directed (AAO – Eye allergies).
Reduce exposure to triggers (pollen, pets, dust) as recommended by ACAAI (ACAAI – Eye allergy).
For persistent or severe symptoms, consult an allergist or ophthalmologist.

For Any Type

Stop using contact lenses until fully recovered.
Avoid eye makeup and throw away products used around the time symptoms started (Mayo Clinic – Prevention).
Practice rigorous handwashing and no eye‑touching to prevent spread (CDC – Prevention).

Final Thoughts

You can’t always make pink eye disappear overnight, but you can:

Speed recovery with the correct treatment for the specific cause
Minimize discomfort quickly with safe, evidence‑based home care
Prevent reinfection and transmission through disciplined hygiene

If anything about your symptoms seems severe, unusual, or fails to improve with these measures, the fastest and safest way to get rid of pink eye is to seek prompt evaluation by an eye‑care professional, as advocated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO – When to see a doctor).