Treatment for red eyes or "pink eye" depends on the cause.

Viral conjunctivitis is what most call "pink eye".  Because of its viral origin, there is not a treatment, but instead the virus must run its course. Supportive treatment can improve the appearance of the eye, but the patient may still be contagious for 7-14 days.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is most common in children, and can be treated with a ophthalmic antibiotic drop.

Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with a myriad of different methods depending on the extent of eye and/or lid involvement.

Uveitis is inflammation in the anterior chamber of the eye and can be caused by a number of different things. A careful examination by an eye doctor is required!

Dry eye is a significant cause of red eyes.  Furthermore, the treatment depends on a dry eye assessment. Topical artificial tears is rarely a fix for dry eye. In contrast, patients may feel significant relief from symptoms with a combination of steroids and other ophthalmic treatments.

If you are a contact lens wearer, most likely, your red eyes are due to contact lens wear. Sleeping in lenses, over-wearing lenses, and wearing older technology contact lens may all lead to red eyes.  A proper evaluation, changing lens type, cleaning solution or wear schedule can eliminate red eyes.