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Eye Problems (Dry Eye, Pink Eye, Eye Strain & Vision Changes)

Dry, gritty or tired eyes, pink eye, styes, floaters and the slow vision changes of cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease — what helps, what is an emergency, and why regular eye exams matter.

Get emergency or same-day care — go to an eye doctor or the emergency room right away, or call 911 — for:

  • Sudden vision loss, or a dark shadow or “curtain” over part of your vision, or a sudden shower of new floaters, sometimes with flashes of light. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, a medical emergency; treatment right away can help protect your sight (NEI, NEI).
  • Severe eye pain with redness, a headache, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision or rainbow-like halos around lights. This can be acute angle-closure glaucoma, an emergency that can cause blindness in just a few days without treatment (NHS, NEI, NEI).
  • A chemical in the eye. Rinse first, right away: take out contact lenses and run lots of room-temperature water over the eye for at least 15 to 20 minutes — a shower works for adults and older children. Then call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; if symptoms are severe, go straight to the emergency room after rinsing, or call 911 (Poison Control, NHS).
  • An eye injury, or an object stuck in the eye. Don’t touch or rub the eye and don’t try to remove an object that is stuck in it or has pierced it; get help right away. Something that hits the eye at high speed — for example while using power tools or mowing the lawn — also needs emergency care (NHS, NEI).
  • A red, painful eye with light sensitivity or blurred vision that doesn’t clear when you wipe away discharge — especially if you wear contact lenses (CDC, NEI). A red eye in a contact lens wearer could be an eye infection (NHS), and infections related to contact lenses are the most common cause of keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea (NEI). Take your lenses out and call your eye doctor.
  • A newborn with eye discharge or puffy, red eyelids — call the doctor now (NEI, CDC).
  • Sudden double vision or trouble seeing together with other stroke signs — face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, loss of balance or a sudden severe headache. Call 911 (CDC).

Blood pressure above 180/120 that stays that high on a second check, together with a sudden change in vision or a sudden, severe headache, also needs a 911 call (NHLBI).

How common are eye problems?

Very common. Nearly 16.4 million Americans have dry eye (NEI), and pink eye is one of the most common eye problems in both children and adults (NEI). About 7 million people in the U.S. have vision impairment, including 1 million with blindness, and roughly 6.8% of children under 18 have a diagnosed eye or vision condition (CDC). An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes, and about 4.1 million have diabetic retinopathy (CDC).

The main eye problems

  • Dry eye. Your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears don’t work well. It can feel scratchy, stinging or burning, and can cause light sensitivity and blurry vision. It is more likely after 50, with contact lenses, and with autoimmune conditions such as lupus or Sjögren syndrome (NEI). Air conditioning or heating, wind, dust, smoke and some medicines can make it more likely (NHS).
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis). Redness and swelling of the white of the eye and inner eyelid, often with itching, burning, tearing or discharge. Viruses, bacteria and allergens are the most common causes (CDC). Viral and bacterial pink eye spread easily; allergic pink eye does not (CDC).
  • Digital eye strain. When you focus on a screen for a long time you tend to blink less, which can cause eye strain or fatigue (CDC), and long screen time can also bring on dry eye (NEI).
  • Styes and blepharitis. A stye is a small, painful lump on the eyelid, often from bacteria infecting an eyelash follicle or eyelid gland; it usually goes away within a week (NHS). Blepharitis makes the eyelids red, swollen, itchy and crusty, with dandruff-like flakes on the lashes; it usually doesn’t go away completely and can lead to styes (NEI).
  • Floaters. Small spots, threads or cobwebs drifting across your vision. Almost everyone gets some with age, and most don’t need treatment — but a sudden burst of new floaters can signal a retinal tear or detachment (NEI).
  • Age-related eye diseases. The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the U.S. are cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (CDC). Each is explained in Age-related eye diseases at a glance below.
  • Children’s vision problems. Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) is the most common cause of vision impairment in children (CDC), and screening finds it early — see Eye exams by age below.

Some eye problems are linked to other conditions: allergic pink eye (see our Allergies guide), diabetic eye disease (see our Diabetes guide), eye damage from high blood pressure (see our Blood Pressure guide), herpes infections of the eye (see our Cold Sores guide), eyelids that don’t close all the way, as with Bell’s palsy, which can let the eye dry out and may need treatment to protect your sight (NHS; see our Bell’s Palsy guide) and blinking or eyelid twitching you can’t control, called blepharospasm (NEI; see our Dystonia guide). MBHA guides to headaches, migraines, thyroid problems (including Graves’ disease) and Sjögren’s syndrome are on the way.

Why regular eye exams matter

Many eye diseases have no symptoms or warning signs at first. A comprehensive dilated eye exam — drops widen the pupil so the doctor can see inside the eye — is the only way to find many of them early, when they are easier to treat (NEI). Half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it (NEI). An estimated 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only half saw an eye doctor in the past 12 months, and 90% of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable (CDC).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Treat the cause: artificial tears and prescription drops for dry eye; antibiotic drops only for bacterial pink eye and antihistamine drops for allergic; warm compresses and lid cleaning for styes and blepharitis; cataract surgery; glaucoma drops, laser or surgery; AREDS2 supplements for intermediate or late AMD and eye injections for wet AMD; yearly diabetic eye exams; glasses and contacts. Medicare Part B covers yearly diabetic eye exams, yearly glaucoma screening for people at high risk, cataract surgery and AMD treatment (usually 20% after the deductible); it doesn’t cover routine exams for glasses. Cash prices: cost estimate being researched. Strong evidence. Most pink eye and styes clear on their own; about 9 in 10 people see better after cataract surgery; glaucoma and diabetic eye disease treatment can stop further vision loss but can’t undo damage.
Chiropractic No role in treating eye disease. About $90–$200 for a first visit and $55–$100 for follow-ups without insurance; not recommended for eye problems. We found no good evidence that chiropractic treats dry eye, pink eye, glaucoma or other eye diseases. Neck manipulation is linked to rare artery tears that can lead to stroke.
Acupuncture Fine needles, often at points around the eyes, mainly studied for dry eye. About $125–$230 for a first visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90. For dry eye, many small trials report better tear tests, but most are of low quality and symptom results are mixed. Little or no reliable evidence for glaucoma or AMD. Needling near the eye has rarely caused serious eye injury.
Herbal medicine AREDS2 supplements only for intermediate or late AMD; omega-3s and bilberry are promoted for eyes, but the evidence is weak or uncertain. Never put homemade or herbal preparations in the eye. Cost estimate being researched. AREDS2 may slow intermediate AMD from becoming advanced; it doesn’t prevent AMD. A large trial found omega-3 no better than placebo for dry eye. Bilberry hasn’t been shown to help any condition.
Massage therapy Warm compresses with gentle lid cleaning for blocked eyelid oil glands; in-office eyelid-warming devices; gentle warm massage for a baby’s blocked tear duct. Home compresses cost little. At one national chain, a 60-minute massage is about $125–$160 for nonmembers (prices vary by location); in-office gland treatments: cost estimate being researched. Warmth and daily lid care help control blepharitis and gland symptoms, but need to be kept up; in-office warming devices work about as well as other common treatments. We found little research on body massage for eye problems.
MBHA Wellness Coach Daily eye habits: the 20-20-20 screen rule, blinking, humidity, UV-blocking sunglasses, not smoking, diabetes and blood pressure control, protective eyewear, contact lens hygiene and an exam schedule. MBHA coaching cost estimate being researched. These steps ease screen-related strain and dryness and lower the risk of eye injuries, infections, cataract, AMD and diabetic vision loss.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Primary care providers, optometrists and ophthalmologists (medical eye doctors) share eye care. Treatment depends on the cause, so a proper diagnosis comes first. We don’t list doses — ask your eye doctor or pharmacist.

1. Dry eye

  • Artificial tears, gels and ointments, sold without a prescription, are the most common treatment for mild dry eye (NEI).
  • Prescription treatments include drops that help the eyes make more tears (cyclosporine and lifitegrast) (NEI).
  • Tear duct (punctal) plugs keep tears on the eye longer, and treating the cause — such as switching a drying medicine — may help (NEI).

2. Pink eye

  • Viral pink eye usually clears in 7 to 14 days without treatment, though it can take 2 to 3 weeks or more. Antibiotics do not help viral pink eye. Serious viral infections, such as those caused by herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus (the chickenpox and shingles virus), are treated with antiviral medicine (CDC).
  • Bacterial pink eye often clears in 2 to 5 days on its own. Antibiotic drops or ointment may shorten it and are more likely to be needed with pus, a weakened immune system or certain bacteria (CDC).
  • Allergic pink eye improves when the allergen is removed. Antihistamine and other allergy eye drops, some by prescription, give relief (CDC). See our Allergies guide.
  • Cold compresses and artificial tears ease any type (CDC). Herpes eye infections can spread into the cornea and cause scarring and vision loss, so they need an eye doctor, who can prescribe antiviral medicine (NEI); see our Cold Sores guide.

3. Styes and blepharitis

For a stye, hold a clean cloth soaked in warm water on it for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day, and never try to burst it or pull out an eyelash yourself — that can spread the infection. A provider may burst it with a thin, sterile needle, remove the nearest eyelash or refer you to an eye specialist (NHS). Blepharitis is managed with daily lid cleaning and warm compresses; providers may add steroid eye drops, artificial tears, or antibiotic drops, ointments or pills when bacteria are the cause, and treating a related problem such as rosacea or dandruff helps (NEI).

4. Floaters and retinal tears

Floaters from normal aging usually need no treatment (NEI). A retinal tear or detachment is repaired with laser, freezing treatment or surgery, which is ultimately successful for about 9 out of 10 people (NEI).

5. Cataract surgery

Early on, brighter lights, anti-glare sunglasses, magnifiers or a new glasses prescription help. When cataracts get in the way of reading, driving or other daily activities, surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one. It is very safe, and 9 out of 10 people see better afterward; waiting usually won’t harm your eyes (NEI).

6. Glaucoma: drops, laser and surgery

Prescription eye drops that lower eye pressure are the most common treatment; laser treatment in the office and surgery help fluid drain when drops aren’t enough. Treatment can stop damage from getting worse but can’t undo it, so take drops every day as prescribed (NEI). An acute angle-closure attack is treated as an emergency with laser treatment and medicine to help the fluid drain, and doctors may treat both eyes to prevent future problems (NEI).

7. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

  • There is no treatment for early AMD; your eye doctor tracks it with regular exams (NEI).
  • AREDS2 supplements: in clinical trials, the AREDS and AREDS2 vitamin and mineral formulas benefited people with intermediate or late AMD. There was no benefit for people with early AMD or without AMD (NEI). See the herbal section below.
  • Wet AMD: anti-VEGF medicines injected into the eye, and photodynamic therapy (injections plus laser), may stop further vision loss. There is currently no treatment for late dry AMD, but low-vision devices and vision rehabilitation help (NEI).

8. Diabetic eye disease

People with diabetes need a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroids, laser treatment and vitrectomy can stop diabetic retinopathy from getting worse, alongside control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol (NEI). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can also damage the eyes (NHLBI). See our Diabetes and Blood Pressure guides.

9. Glasses and contact lenses

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and the loss of close focus after 40 are the most common eye problems in the U.S. and are corrected with glasses, contacts or sometimes surgery (CDC). Contacts are medical devices, and poor lens care raises the risk of serious eye infections (CDC).

What it costs

  • Diabetic eye exams: Medicare Part B covers one a year if you have diabetes; you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible (Medicare.gov).
  • Glaucoma screening: covered once every 12 months for people at high risk — those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, African Americans 50 and older, and Hispanic people 65 and older; 20% after the deductible (Medicare.gov).
  • Cataract surgery: Part B may cover surgery with a conventional lens (20% after the deductible), plus one pair of glasses with standard frames or one set of contacts afterward (Medicare.gov).
  • AMD: Part B may cover certain tests and treatments, including injected drugs (Medicare.gov).
  • Routine exams for glasses or contacts are not covered by Original Medicare; some Medicare Advantage plans add vision benefits (Medicare.gov).
  • Cash prices for eye exams, drops and surgery: MBHA cost estimate being researched.

How well it works — what to expect

Dry eye is common and not usually serious (NHS), though severe untreated dry eye can sometimes damage the cornea (NEI), and styes are rarely a sign of anything serious and usually go away within a week (NHS). For the serious diseases, early detection counts most: early treatment can prevent or delay blindness from diabetic retinopathy in 90% of people with diabetes (CDC).

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a licensed health profession that usually involves hands-on therapy, often spinal manipulation (NCCIH). We found no good evidence that chiropractic care treats dry eye, pink eye, styes, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease, and none of the national eye-health sources we reviewed lists it as a treatment. It has no role in eye care.

A caution about neck manipulation. Manipulation of the neck has been linked to small but potentially dangerous tears in the neck arteries (cervical artery dissection). These are rare and there is disagreement about whether manipulation causes them, but they can lead to a stroke, and patients should be told about this risk (NCCIH). Sudden trouble seeing is one of the warning signs of stroke — call 911 (CDC).

What it costs

About $90–$200 for a first visit and $55–$100 for follow-ups without insurance (The Pricer) — but we don’t recommend it for eye problems.

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for eye problems has mostly been studied for dry eye. Many trials exist, but their quality is a real concern.

Dry eye: what the research says

In short: acupuncture may improve some tear measurements in dry eye, but the evidence is low-quality and its effect on how your eyes actually feel is uncertain. We did not find a Cochrane review on acupuncture for dry eye.

Other eye diseases

A 2020 Cochrane review found only three small trials for glaucoma, all at high risk of bias, and concluded it is impossible to draw reliable conclusions supporting acupuncture for glaucoma (Cochrane review, 2020). A 2023 review of 9 trials in AMD found no high-quality evidence that acupuncture works (systematic review, PLoS One). Acupuncture never replaces glaucoma drops, AMD injections or diabetic eye care.

Safety

Relatively few complications from acupuncture have been reported, but problems have come from non-sterile needles and poor technique (NCCIH). Needling close to the eye carries its own risk: a 2023 review collected 14 published cases of serious eye injury from acupuncture around the eye (case review, Korean J Ophthalmol). Choose a licensed practitioner and tell your eye doctor.

What it costs

Private sessions run about $125–$230 for a first visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90 a visit (The Pricer).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Never put homemade or herbal preparations in your eye. Eye drops must be sterile to be safe, and drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses (FDA, FDA). The FDA has warned about unapproved eye drops that were contaminated with bacteria and fungi and could cause vision-threatening infections (FDA). Contact lenses need the same care: poor lens hygiene raises the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss (CDC).

AREDS2: a specific formula, not just any eye vitamin

The AREDS and AREDS2 trials, funded by the National Eye Institute, tested specific high-dose combinations of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper and either beta-carotene (AREDS) or lutein and zeaxanthin (AREDS2). Key points from NEI (NEI):

  • They benefited people with intermediate or late AMD only — not people with early AMD or no AMD. Supplements cannot prevent AMD, but may delay progression to advanced AMD.
  • A daily multivitamin can’t substitute: the trial doses were much higher, and diet alone can’t easily reach them.
  • The original formula’s beta-carotene was linked to more lung cancer in former smokers, while lutein and zeaxanthin protected as well or better, so the AREDS2 formula uses them instead. People who got little lutein and zeaxanthin from their diet benefited most.
  • Vitamin E can interact with blood thinners and other medicines, so talk to your doctor before starting.

We don’t list the formula’s amounts — ask your eye doctor whether it is right for you and which product matches the tested formula.

Omega-3 (fish oil) for dry eye

Omega-3 (fish oil) supplements are often suggested for dry eye, and several small studies suggested they might help (NCCIH). But the NIH-funded DREAM trial gave 535 people with moderate-to-severe dry eye omega-3s or an olive oil placebo for a year and found no significant benefit over placebo on symptoms or eye-surface tests (DREAM trial, NEJM 2018). A 2019 Cochrane review of 34 trials called the evidence uncertain and inconsistent (Cochrane review, 2019), and NCCIH summarizes both (NCCIH). Adding omega-3s to the AREDS formula gave no extra benefit for AMD (NCCIH).

Bilberry

Bilberry is promoted for eye conditions, but it hasn’t been clearly shown to help any health condition, and the most rigorous studies found it doesn’t improve night vision in healthy people. The fruit is safe in food amounts; check with your provider if you take medicines (NCCIH).

Eye drop recalls and copycat products

In 2023 the FDA told consumers to stop using more than two dozen over-the-counter eye drops sold under several store brands after finding unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the factory (FDA). In 2024 it warned about contaminated copycat drops sold online and advised buying eye products only from reputable retailers such as state-licensed pharmacies (FDA). Signs of an eye infection after using drops need medical care right away (FDA).

Tea tree oil has been studied on the eyelids for blepharitis caused by Demodex (eyelash) mites, but its effectiveness is uncertain, and tea tree oil should never be swallowed (NCCIH), so use it only on your provider’s advice. Cost of supplements: cost estimate being researched.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

Massage in eye care means gentle warmth and lid care, not body massage.

Warm compresses and lid care for blocked eyelid glands

  • Clogged or irritated eyelid oil glands (meibomian glands) are one cause of blepharitis. The main treatment is cleaning the lids every day; a warm compress loosens crusts and can help keep the glands from clogging. Blepharitis usually doesn’t go away completely, so lid care needs to be kept up (NEI).
  • For blepharitis: twice a day, hold a cloth or cotton wool soaked in warm water on the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, gently massage the lids for about 30 seconds, then wipe along the lid edges with cotton wool or a cotton swab — a little baby shampoo in the water may help (NHS).
  • An eye doctor may offer an in-office device that warms and presses the eyelids (thermal pulsation, such as LipiFlow). A 2024 Cochrane review of 13 trials found it worked about as well as other common dry eye treatments, including basic warm compresses, but the evidence was of low or very low certainty (Cochrane review, 2024).

Babies with a blocked tear duct

For a newborn whose watery eye comes from a blocked tear duct, gentle, warm massage between the eye and the side of the nose may help; surgery may be needed if it hasn’t cleared by age 1 (CDC, NEI). Have the baby seen first — newborn eye discharge can be a serious infection.

Body massage

We found little research on massage for eye problems. Its risk appears low (NCCIH), but never touch or rub an injured eye (NHS).

What it costs

Warm compresses at home cost little. At one national chain, Massage Envy, a 60-minute massage was listed at about $125–$160 for nonmembers at three locations; prices vary by location (The Pricer). In-office gland treatments: cost estimate being researched.

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

Many eye problems can be eased or prevented with daily habits. An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you build them — always alongside your eye care.

Screens: the 20-20-20 rule and blinking

Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds (CDC, NEI). More screen habits are in Dry eye and screen strain: daily habits below.

Sun and injury protection

Not smoking

Smoking raises the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve (NEI, CDC); quitting is also one of the steps that may lower AMD risk (NEI). Free help: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) (NEI). Smoking and smoky places also make dry eye more likely (NHS).

Diabetes, blood pressure and everyday health

Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in range lowers the risk of diabetic retinopathy (NEI, CDC). Regular activity, a healthy weight, leafy greens and fish are good for the eyes too (NEI, NEI). See our Diabetes and Blood Pressure guides.

Contact lens hygiene

  • Don’t sleep in lenses unless your eye care provider tells you to, and take them out before swimming or showering (CDC). Wearing lenses while swimming, using a hot tub or showering may raise the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection (CDC).
  • Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses; rub and rinse them with fresh disinfecting solution, never water, and never top up old solution (CDC).
  • Clean the case, store it upside down with the caps off, and replace it at least every three months. Carry backup glasses, see your eye care provider yearly, and take lenses out and call if your eyes are uncomfortable (CDC).

Keeping up with eye exams

Know your family’s eye history and keep to an exam schedule (CDC). A coach can help you book exams and make a reminder plan — see Eye exams by age below. MBHA coaching cost estimate being researched.

Another approach

Dry eye and screen strain: daily habits

Dry eye is common and not usually serious (NHS), and small daily changes make a real difference.

  • Take screen breaks. Limit screen time, take breaks from staring at screens (NEI) and use the 20-20-20 rule (CDC).
  • Blink. When you focus on a screen or one thing for a long time you can forget to blink, which can cause eye strain or fatigue (CDC).
  • Add moisture. Use a humidifier, and avoid smoke, wind and air conditioning (NEI); limit time in air-conditioned or heated rooms and in smoky, dry or dusty places (NHS). Wraparound sunglasses help outdoors (NEI).
  • Check your medicines. Some medicines, such as certain antidepressants or blood pressure medicines, can make dry eye more likely; don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own (NHS) — your doctor may suggest a different one (NEI).
  • Rest and fluids. NEI suggests drinking plenty of water and getting about 7 to 8 hours of sleep (NEI).
  • Keep lids clean. Clean your eyelids every day; a warm (not hot) wet cloth pressed gently on the lids makes the oil from the eyelid glands flow more easily (NHS).
  • Children: limit screen time, encourage frequent breaks and outdoor play, and get your child’s vision checked if they squint, rub their eyes or get headaches after schoolwork (CDC).

When dry eye needs a doctor

See your eye doctor or primary care provider if your eyes are still dry after a few weeks of home care or the shape of your eyelids changes. Get an urgent appointment if your eye is painful and red, or if you have a red eye and wear contact lenses — it could be an infection. Get emergency care for any change in your sight, such as wavy lines, flashes or loss of vision; if it hurts to look at light; if you have a red eye with a severe headache and feel sick; or after an eye injury (NHS). Untreated severe dry eye can sometimes damage the cornea (NEI).

Another approach

Pink eye: when it’s contagious

Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious; allergic pink eye and pink eye from irritants such as smoke or chemicals are not (CDC). Infections spread through close contact, droplets from coughs and sneezes, and touching germy hands or objects and then your eyes (CDC). It can be hard to tell the types apart because the symptoms are often the same (NEI).

Stop the spread

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after touching your eyes or putting in drops (CDC).
  • Don’t share pillows, towels, washcloths, eye drops, makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, lens cases or glasses, and wash bedding and towels in hot water (CDC).
  • Wipe discharge with a clean, wet washcloth or a fresh cotton ball each time; don’t use the same drop bottle for an infected and an uninfected eye; and stay out of swimming pools (CDC).
  • Afterward, throw away eye makeup, disposable lenses, lens solution and cases used while you were infected (NEI).
  • Vaccines against measles, rubella, chickenpox, shingles, pneumococcus and Hib protect against some infections connected to pink eye (CDC).

Back to school or work

If you have no fever or other symptoms, you may be allowed to return with your doctor’s approval. Stay home if you still have symptoms and your school or work involves close contact with others (CDC). Pink eye often gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days (NEI).

See a provider for eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, intense redness or symptoms that get worse (CDC), and see the emergency box at the top of this page.

Another approach

Eye exams by age

Babies and young children

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends vision screening at least once between ages 3 and 5 to find amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or its risk factors, such as crossed eyes or a large difference in focus between the eyes. Treatment includes glasses, eye patching or atropine eye drops. Evidence is not yet enough to judge routine screening before age 3 (2017 recommendation; an update is in progress) (USPSTF). Amblyopia affects 2 to 3 of every 100 children, yet fewer than half of preschoolers have had their vision tested (CDC).

Adults

How often you need a comprehensive dilated eye exam depends on your risk for eye disease, so ask your eye doctor what’s right for you (NEI). The UK’s National Health Service advises everyone to have an eye test at least every 2 years (NHS).

People at higher risk

Don’t wait for your next exam if you notice

decreased or double vision, eye pain, redness or discharge, new floaters, flashes of light or halos around lights (CDC). For sudden symptoms, see the emergency box at the top of this page.

Member stories

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Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. We strongly recommend that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition. MBHA provides administrative support, education and navigation — not medical, legal or tax advice — and cannot guarantee claim, billing or fundraising outcomes. MBHA is not an emergency service: in an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.