Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes
Stop wearing contact lenses until the infection clears
Throw away or replace eye makeup and contact lens cases used during the infection
Use a clean, warm compress on the closed eye for comfort
Clean any discharge from the eyes with a clean, damp cloth or cotton pad
Use artificial tears to ease irritation
Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or washcloths
Stay home from work, school, or daycare if the conjunctivitis is contagious
See a doctor if you have severe pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or symptoms that worsen
Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment if a doctor confirms bacterial conjunctivitis
Follow the full treatment plan exactly as prescribed
Seek urgent care if you have eye injury, a weakened immune system, or symptoms in a newborn