Pink Eye Treatment in Canada
Pink eye treatment depends on the cause. Viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis can look similar, and a red eye can also have another explanation. Antibiotics are not the right treatment for every case. CDC - Pink eye causes and spread
Seek prompt medical advice for eye pain, light sensitivity, persistent blurred vision, intense redness or worsening symptoms. A newborn with a red or discharging eye needs immediate medical assessment. CDC - How to treat pink eye
What pink eye means
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin tissue over the white of the eye and inside the eyelids. Symptoms can include redness, watering, irritation, discharge or crusting around the lashes. The appearance of discharge alone does not reliably establish the cause. CDC - Pink eye symptoms CDC - Pink eye causes and spread
Tell a clinician when symptoms started, whether one or both eyes are affected, and whether you have been exposed to illness, allergens or an irritant. Also mention contact lens use and any treatment already tried.
How treatment differs by cause
Viral conjunctivitis: Antibiotics do not act against viruses. Supportive care may be enough for a mild case, while some viral infections need specific medical treatment.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: A clinician may recommend antibiotic drops or ointment. Some mild cases settle without antibiotics, so the decision depends on the examination and circumstances.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Avoiding a known trigger and using an appropriate allergy treatment may help. Allergic conjunctivitis does not spread from person to person. CDC - How to treat pink eye CDC - Pink eye causes and spread
Can pharmacy drops help?
Artificial tears and a clean cool compress may ease discomfort. Allergy drops can help some people with allergic symptoms. A pharmacist can explain non-prescription products, but a product labelled for red eyes cannot establish what is causing the redness. National Eye Institute - Pink eye treatment
Do not use another person's drops or an old prescription without professional advice. Ask specifically before using a steroid-containing eye drop; treatment should match the diagnosis and include appropriate follow-up. NHS - Who can use dexamethasone eye drops
Contact lens wearers should act promptly
Remove contact lenses if your eye becomes red or uncomfortable. Redness with pain, light sensitivity, sudden blur or worsening irritation requires immediate contact with an eye-care professional. Contact lens-related corneal infections can be serious and may resemble a simpler red-eye problem. CDC - Contact lens related eye infections
Use glasses while seeking advice. Ask when lens wear can restart and what to do with lenses, cases and products used around the time of the infection.
Reduce the chance of spreading infection
Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread. Wash your hands frequently, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels, pillowcases, makeup or eye drops. Keep items used for the affected eye separate and follow your clinician's cleaning instructions. CDC - Pink eye prevention
Return-to-school, daycare and workplace advice depends on the cause, symptoms, setting and local policy. Do not treat “24 hours after antibiotics” as a universal rule for every red eye. Ask the treating clinician and the school or employer what applies.
How long does pink eye last?
Viral pink eye often improves within one to two weeks, but some cases last longer. Recovery varies with the cause. Symptoms that worsen or do not improve deserve reassessment; do not wait out increasing pain or a change in vision. National Eye Institute - Pink eye treatment
Where to seek care in Canada
An optometrist can assess many red-eye concerns and may prescribe within provincial authority. A physician, urgent care service or emergency department may be needed depending on symptoms, access and clinical findings. Read what optometrists can prescribe. Canadian Association of Optometrists - Prescribing medication
Sudden vision loss, severe pain, chemical exposure or a serious injury needs immediate emergency care. For other concerning symptoms, call a clinician directly and ask how soon you should be seen. Do not wait for an online appointment request to be answered.
For non-urgent clinic discovery, find an optometrist on iSeeWell. Confirm the clinic can assess your concern and explain your symptoms when calling.
Book an eye exam online
iSeeWell helps you find a clinic and request an appointment:
- Find optometry clinics across Canada
- Confirm the clinic offers the service you need
- Wait for the clinic to confirm the appointment
For coverage by province, see eye exam coverage in Canada. For signs it may be time to book, see when to get an eye exam. For cost details, see eye exam cost in Canada. More guides. Clear vision starts with the right care and the right appointment.
About this information: iSeeWell helps patients find clinics and request appointments; it does not provide clinical care. This is general information, not individual medical advice. Appointment requests require clinic confirmation.