While there are no over-the-counter (OTC) products to cure conjunctivitis (pinkeye) caused by a bacterial or viral infection, there are some over-the-counter products that can relieve the symptoms of pinkeye caused by allergy or irritation. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are prescribed for a bacterial infection.
Accordingly, do they sell over the counter medicine for pink eye?
OTC decongestant eye drops such as naphazoline ophthalmic (for example, the brand-name products Bausch & Lomb Opcon-A® or Clear Eyes® Redness Reliever Eye Drops) can help get rid of the redness of bacterial conjunctivitis, but not the infection. There is no treatment for pinkeye due to a viral infection.
How long should conjunctivitis take to clear up with drops?
If your pink eye is caused by a common viral infection and no other complications occur, then your eyes should clear up within a few days to two weeks. Pink eye also can be caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, which — even with treatment such as prescription antibiotic eye drops — can last up to a month or longer.