Bacterial Infection

• An antibiotic eye-drop prescription will be given to treat bacterial pink eye. A child is contagious for up to 48 hours after first administering the eye drops.
  
  

Viral Infection

• No medications are given for a viral pink eye infection. It is contagious until the eyes are no longer red or pink.
  
  

Allergic Pink Eye

• The allergy version of pink eye is not contagious. It may take awhile to clear up, however, if there is continued exposure to whatever brought on the allergic reaction.
  
  

Helpful Treatments

• Applying a warm compress on the eyes to alleviate swelling and wipe away drainage, may speed up the recovery process. Also, saline eye drops will help to wash out any irritants in the eyes.
  
  

When to Worry

• Contact a doctor if antibiotic eye drops or cream fails to clear bacterial pink eye in five days.
  An allergy related pink eye that does not clear up within five days, or gets worse, could indicate a bacterial version of pink eye.
  Also, if your child complains of blurred vision that does not clear up when the drainage is wiped away, immediately seek medical attention.