Wash your hands often with soap and water
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup, or contact lenses
Disinfect or replace eye makeup and contact lens cases
Use clean, properly fitting contact lenses and follow wear/disinfection instructions
Replace contact lenses as directed and stop using them if symptoms start
Avoid swimming in pools/hot tubs while symptomatic
Keep distance from people with contagious conjunctivitis
Clean discharge from the eyes with a clean, damp cloth
Use separate towels and wash linens frequently in hot water
Seek urgent care if you have severe eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, or trouble keeping the eye open
Seek prompt medical care if symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, worsen, or occur in infants
If you suspect allergic conjunctivitis, use cold compresses and consider allergy eye drops as directed
If you use contact lenses, stop wearing them immediately until fully resolved and cleared by a clinician if needed
Do not use leftover antibiotic eye drops or someone else’s medication
Get evaluated for possible bacterial/viral/allergic causes before using treatments