Help me by the end of today...Pink eye?!

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Actually, "pink eye" is not a general term to encompass all red eye problems, although the general population does call almost everything "pink eye" because it's easy to name and remember.

Actually, pink eye is also known as viral conjunctivitis. Because REAL pink eye is caused by a virus, that's what makes it so contagious. There are a few prescription topical eye drops on the market that can help the pink eye, but usually pink eye is self-limiting (as long as you don't spread it) and it just takes time to resolve on its own.

However, a red or pink-looking eye can be caused by SO many things. It could be allergies (typically both eyes will be affected), it could be a foreign body causing irritation, it could be contact lens induced eye problems (if you over-wear your contact lenses), it could be bacterial conjunctivitis, it could be exposure kertopathy (if you happened to sleep with one eye slightly open), and the list goes on and on.

In most cases, an infection of some kind if the culprit to a red eye, which will usually require a prescription eye drop from your eye doctor to help resolve it. So get to an eye doctor!

In any event, your mom is wrong bvecauase an eye patch is not going to help at all. You need to go see an eye doctor to determine what is causing your eye to be red (or pink as you describe it).

And there isn't a magic drop that is going to resolve it "right now". Is there a magic pill that will get rid of the cold or the flu "right now"? Of course not. So your red eye is no different. It will heal on its own time course, usually a few days to a few weeks depending on what is causing it.

I am an optometry intern.

can be a mix of prescribed and over the counter medicines. For bacterial infections, a doctor must prescribe pink eye antibiotic to attack the bacteria. This medication can be delivered in varieties like eye drops or ointments that are applied to the eyes for a few days. Pink eye caused by allergies can be solved with allergy eye drops like Patanol. Patanol is one solution that has been proven to be effective in preventing pink eye caused by allergies with just 2 drops a day. It is safe according to the manufacturer for kids over the age of three. Other medication with antihistamines maybe recommended by a physician which can include anything from liquid to pill state. Another Pink eye medication is Similasan Allergy Eye Relief eye drops. These OTC medications may not be as impressive but provide some relief. Similasan also has a pink eye relief eye drops for viral conjunctivitis. Other eye drop companies also manufacture similar eye drops that alleviate Viral Pink eye. These over the counter medications are all that is required for most cases of viral pink eye as the virus just needs to run its course and pink eye medication is used just for soothing symptoms. For relieving discharge, warm compresses are great for removing the sticky residue as well as the crusty, dried portions around the eyes. For persistent problems it is best to consult your eye care professional.

You can't cure pink eye right now. You might need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. But until then, you can keep yourself from spreading it by not touching your eye.

Unfortunately you need to see a doctor to get antibiotic eyedrops. The redness will go away in a day or two, but not by this evening.