Boric acid for pink eye: what to know

Boric acid is not a general home remedy for pink eye. A homemade mixture may have the wrong strength, contain contaminants, or fail to be sterile. Putting it into an irritated eye can worsen burning and inflammation and may injure the surface of the eye. Household powders, cleaners and products intended for other uses are especially unsuitable.

Pink eye, also called [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/), can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergy or irritation. [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and redness do not identify the cause by themselves, so treatment depends on an assessment.

Do not mix or apply boric acid yourself. Wash hands before and after touching the eye, avoid rubbing, and use a clean warm or cool compress for comfort. Do not share towels, cosmetics or eye drops, and pause contact lenses until symptoms have settled and a clinician advises restarting. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if discharge is significant, symptoms persist or the diagnosis is unclear. Antibiotic drops are useful only for selected causes; see [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) for general information.

Get urgent eye care for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked swelling, injury, chemical exposure, or [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/) that is new or intense. Seek prompt advice if a contact-lens wearer develops a painful [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/), because corneal infection needs timely assessment. Rinse chemical exposure with clean running water while seeking emergency guidance.

What is the likely cause of my pink eye? Do I need a prescription, a swab or an eye examination? When can I use contact lenses again? Which symptoms mean I should return urgently? What should I do if boric acid has already entered my eye?