For viral conjunctivitis, what is the recommended treatment?

Viral conjunctivitis is primarily a self-limiting condition that usually resolves without the need for medical intervention. The recommended treatment focuses on supportive care, which may include measures such as applying warm compresses to the affected eye, maintaining proper hygiene to prevent spread, and managing symptoms such as tearing and irritation. Antiviral medications are not typically used for viral conjunctivitis because most cases are caused by adenoviruses, which do not have specific antiviral treatments available.

Topical antibiotics are ineffective as they are designed to treat bacterial infections, while topical corticosteroids, although sometimes used for other inflammatory conditions, are not appropriate for viral conjunctivitis due to the risk of complications and potential for masking the underlying viral infection. Thus, supportive care is the best course of action for managing symptoms and allowing the condition to resolve naturally.