Pink Eye Medicine Over-the-counter

In the USA I saw an ad for an over-the-counter medicine for "pink eye." How
would a person know if they had pink eye without seeing a doctor who would
provide a prescription. I have had red eyes, but they were never "pink eye."
A person could buy the medicine, and that might delay the proper treatment
because they diagnosed themselves incorrectly.

Tom

 

Interesting "consumer protection", eh? And hard to believe the
ad---perhaps it was one of those "get the red out" ads? OTC
vasoconstrictors can make the eye look better. But pathogen-caused red
eye is another story.

"Pink eye" is a layperson's term for a red eye, the cause being anything
from a bug flying in the eye to a piece of dust, allergy, contact lens
issues, virus or sight-treatening bacteria infection.

IF there's discharge, light sensitivity or pain, see a doctor.
IF it gets worse within 3 days, even without the above, see a doctor.
When in doubt, see a doctor.

--LB

--
Dr. Larry Bickford, O.D.
Family Practice Eye Health & Vision Care

The Eyecare Connection
http://www.eyecarecontacts.com
larrydoc at eye-care-contacts dot com (remove -)