Pink eye (conjunctivitis) treatment in Westmont, IL
Pink eye is redness and swelling of the clear layer over the white of the eye, most often caused by a virus, bacteria or allergies. Viral pink eye usually clears in 1 to 2 weeks. Urgent Care Center of Westmont finds the likely cause and explains treatment and when to return to school or work.
The most common causes of pink eye are viruses, bacteria and allergens.
Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
The CDC says most viral pink eye clears in about 7 to 14 days without treatment.
Mild bacterial pink eye often improves in 2 to 5 days, and antibiotic drops may shorten it.
Eye pain, light sensitivity or blurry vision that does not clear with blinking needs prompt care.
How we diagnose and treat pink eye at our Westmont, IL clinic
Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, sees children and adults with red, itchy or crusty eyes seven days a week. Our team is led by board-certified physicians, and both of our Westmont, IL clinics welcome walk-ins. You can also check in online.
QuestionsYour clinician asks when it started, whether one or both eyes are affected, what the discharge looks like, and whether you wear contact lenses or have a cold or allergies.
Eye examYour clinician looks at the eye and eyelids, checks for anything stuck in the eye, and asks about pain and vision changes.
A plan that fits the causeTreatment depends on the type. Your clinician can recommend treatment, which may include prescription eye drops or ointment when appropriate.
Return-to-school or work guidanceYou leave knowing how to protect others at home and when it is reasonable to go back.
If something looks more serious than pink eye, such as an injury to the eye surface or inflammation deeper in the eye, your clinician will explain why you need an eye specialist and help you plan that next step.
Pink eye symptoms and how to tell the types apart
The CDC lists pink or red color in the white of the eye, swollen eyelids, watery eyes, a gritty feeling, itching, burning and discharge. The American Academy of Pediatrics describes clues that point to each type:
Viral: pink, watery eye that may be sensitive to light. It often starts in one eye during a cold.
Bacterial: red, sore eye with more than a little green or yellow discharge. Eyelids may be crusted shut in the morning.
Allergic: itching, redness and lots of tearing, usually in both eyes, often during pollen season.
Irritant: red, watery eyes after chlorine, smoke or a chemical gets in the eye.
How long does pink eye last, and how long is it contagious?
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Pink eye by type: typical length and contagious period
Type
Typical length
Contagious?
Viral
About 7 to 14 days. Some cases take 2 to 3 weeks or longer.
Yes, while symptoms are present. Some viruses spread for weeks.
Bacterial
Mild cases often improve in 2 to 5 days. Full recovery can take up to 2 weeks.
Yes, until treatment has started or symptoms are gone.
Allergic
As long as you are around the trigger.
No
Irritant
Usually improves once the irritant is rinsed away.
No
Timeframes for viral and bacterial pink eye come from the CDC. Contagious periods come from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The CDC advises seeing a provider if bacterial pink eye is not improving after 24 hours of antibiotic use.
School and work: the CDC says people without fever or other symptoms may return with their doctor's approval. Stay home while you still have symptoms if your day involves close contact with others.
When pink eye needs a clinician
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Many cases are mild. The CDC recommends seeing a healthcare provider for any of these:
Eye pain or sensitivity to light
Blurred vision that does not improve after wiping away discharge
Intense redness in the eye
Symptoms that get worse or do not improve
A weakened immune system from a health condition or treatment
Any eye symptoms in a newborn, who should see a doctor right away
Contact lens wearers should stop wearing lenses and get checked if the eye hurts or vision changes.
Home care for pink eye
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Hold a clean, cool compress over closed eyes for comfort. The CDC suggests cold compresses for viral pink eye.
Use preservative-free artificial tears to soothe irritation.
Gently wipe discharge from the inner corner outward with a clean cloth or cotton pad. Use a new one each time.
Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or using drops.
Stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it is OK, or until symptoms are fully gone.
Do not use leftover prescription drops from someone else or from an old infection.
For allergic pink eye, rinse away pollen and keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
Pink eye spreads quickly in daycare and school. The American Academy of Pediatrics says most children recover within 5 to 6 days without antibiotics. Because pink eye often shows up with a cold, your clinician may also check ears and throat. Our pediatric urgent care visits are made for kids.
Adults and contact lens wearers
Adults often get viral pink eye during a cold. If you wear contact lenses, do not wait if your eye hurts or your vision changes. Allergy sufferers may notice pink eye every spring, when tree pollen is high in Illinois. Allergy testing can help find your triggers.
How to keep pink eye from spreading
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Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after touching your eyes.
Do not share towels, washcloths, pillows, eye makeup or eye drops.
Change pillowcases and towels often and wash them in hot water.
Clean doorknobs, phones and other shared surfaces.
Keep children from rubbing their eyes when you can.
Stay current on vaccines. The CDC notes that vaccines can prevent some infections linked to pink eye.
Cost and insurance for a pink eye visit
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We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and CountyCare. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your plan, or see our cost and insurance page. Self-pay general visits start from $125.
It depends on the cause. The CDC says most viral pink eye clears in about 7 to 14 days, though some cases take 2 to 3 weeks. Mild bacterial pink eye often improves in 2 to 5 days and can take up to 2 weeks. Allergic pink eye lasts as long as you are exposed to the trigger.
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious. They spread when hands carry eye discharge or cold germs to the eyes. Allergic and chemical pink eye are not contagious. Washing hands and not sharing towels or pillows are the most useful ways to stop the spread at home.
How can I tell if pink eye is viral or bacterial?
Viral pink eye tends to be watery, often starts in one eye and comes with a cold. Bacterial pink eye usually has thicker yellow or green discharge and may glue the lashes shut in the morning. The signs overlap, so a clinician's exam is the most reliable way to decide on treatment.
Can I go to work or school with pink eye?
The CDC says people without fever or other symptoms may return with their doctor's approval. If you still have symptoms and your day involves close contact with others, stay home. Daycares and schools may have their own rules, so check with them as well.
Does pink eye go away on its own?
Often, yes. The CDC says most viral pink eye is mild and clears without treatment, and mild bacterial pink eye may improve without antibiotics. Get checked if you have eye pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, intense redness or symptoms that are getting worse.
Can urgent care treat pink eye?
Yes. Our clinicians examine the eye, look for the likely cause and recommend treatment, which may include prescription drops or ointment when appropriate. If your eye needs a specialist, they will explain why and what to do next.
“They are always so kind and helpful. In and out quickly but not rushed. Myself and my son go.”
Rebecca R. · February 2025 · Google★★★★★
“Follow up on a previous visit. Quick visit with lots of good info about what's going on and what to expect going forward. Friendly and accommodating staff”
Ken B. · August 2024 · Google★★★★★
“I love this center! My 2nd time coming and both times my daughters were seen very fast. Very clean with very nice staff”
