Mild pink eye caused by bacteria vs virus is very hard to diagnose. That's why Dr's usually prescribe antibiotics, to make sure IF it is bacterial it is being treated. Obvious bacterial infections usually have eye pain and copious drainage, usually yellowish and thick pus.
Viral goes away on its own, the problem is it does so whenever it wants.
The Dexamethasone helps with inflammation, but at the same degree it decreases the body's ability to fight back.
Tea bags work, and chamomile tea does better.
Check with your doctor, because it is not clearing and may be something else too (high ocular pressure, different infection vs allergy, etc).
Great reply Doc. Also remember, Bacterial Conjunctivitis tends to look more like Hamburger. Viral is typically more teary (epiphora) and pink, thus the term 'pink eye' which is not diagnosable. The dx must have the cause, as to allergic, viral, bacterial, etc.
Tobradex ( has dexamethasone plus tobramycin) is the best, typically, unless you have an allergy to tobramycin and is the go to med. I would NEVER go to a treatment with neomycin first. It hurts to have a dr say the medicine made your misery worse.
