What Is Pinkeye?
10. Long-Term Outlook
Generally, pinkeye improves and clears on its own without treatment. This is especially the case if the cause is irritation by dirt, smoke, or similar irritants. If its cause is a virus, pinkeye will also clear in about one week without treatment.
However, viral conjunctivitis caused by the herpes virus usually needs treatment with antiviral eyedrops. Similarly, bacterial and fungal pinkeye usually require treatment. In nearly all of these cases, pinkeye clears completely within a week or thereabouts, and the patient can go on with their normal life.
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