Pink eye or conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eye lid. The inflammation can be due to either an allergic reaction or an infection, and is typically accompanied by itching and a prickling sensation, as well as severe watering of the eyes. Sometimes the eyes water and secrete enough discharge so that the lids get crusted shut by the end of the night. The eyes are also usually sensitive to light, and there is sometimes a constant feeling that a foreign object is stuck in them. Therefore, although pink eye is rarely a serious condition with lasting damage, it is extremely uncomfortable and troublesome.
If you are having trouble seeing due to pink eye, it is a good idea to visit an ophthalmologist for treatment. In most other cases, it is possible to treat the inflammation at home using home remedies or over the counter products. First of all, you should frequently wash your face and eyes with cool water. Gently flush your eyes with the water, and make sure that you clean out all the discharge that has been secreted, both from your eye and the area around it. This should be done at least once an hour during the day. If your eyes bother you during the night and disturb your sleep, you can do this once or twice through the night too. In between, you should completely avoid straining your eyes. Preferably, soak a couple of pieces of cotton (if both your eyes are affected) in cool rose water, lie down, close your eyes, and place the cotton on your eyelids. If you feel the need, you can also use artificial tears, which should be easily available at any medical store.
If only one eye is affected, you should be very careful whenever you touch the infected eye, so as to reduce the risk of transferring the infection to the good eye. Avoid touching your eye(s) unnecessarily and get rid of any cotton or cloth that has touched the affected eye. This is of course if the pink eye has indeed been caused by a bacterial or viral infection; if it is caused by an allergic reaction, the question of transmission does not arise. Despite your best efforts, both eyes are quite likely to be affected, but there is no harm in trying to prevent this. Such measures are also important in order to prevent the infection from spreading to other people.
answered by G M