Pink Eye

What is pink eye?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of your conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines your eyeballs and eyelids. It’s typically caused by a virus, but can also occur due to bacteria or allergies.

Some forms of pink eye are highly contagious, so it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you have it. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can protect your loved ones and members of the community.

What are the symptoms of pink eye?

Pink eye symptoms include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Irritation that affects one or both eyes
• A gritty feeling in your eyes
• Eye discharge that forms a crust
• Tearing

Sometimes, pink eye causes increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).

When should someone see a doctor about pink eye?

Make an appointment with Dr. Smith if you have red or irritated eyes and your symptoms don’t improve within 24 hours. If you wear contacts, leave them out for at least a day to see if that makes a difference.

Even though pink eye typically isn’t serious, other eye conditions can trigger similar symptoms, so it’s important to determine the cause. 

How is pink eye diagnosed?

Dr. Smith reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, whether they affect one or both eyes, and how severe the irritation is. He also asks if you’re experiencing any eye discharge.

Next, Dr. Smith completes a visual assessment. He may ask you to hold your smartphone or tablet closer to your eyes or have you upload digital photos if you have a virtual appointment. This lets him get a closer look at your conjunctiva and determine the severity of the irritation.

Most cases can be diagnosed during an exam, but if necessary, Dr. Smith may refer you to a lab for additional testing.

How is pink eye treated?

Pink eye treatment usually focuses on symptom relief. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Smith may recommend:

• Using artificial tears to reduce redness and irritation
• Cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth
• Applying cold or warm compresses to your eyes
• Antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection

Pink eye symptoms typically improve within a few days, although the length of illness can vary depending on the underlying cause.

If you’re concerned about pink eye, make an appointment at KC Cares Med by calling the office or booking one online today.