Pink Eye

What is pink eye?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) refers to an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva — the transparent membrane lining your eyelid that covers the white area of your eyeball.

When you have inflammation in the small blood vessels in this membrane, they appear more visible and cause the whites of your eyes to appear a more pinkish or red color.

Pink eye typically occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection or an allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of pink eye?

The most obvious symptom of pink eye is the red or pink color of your eyes. Other symptoms of pink eye are excess itching, tearing, and swelling.

You might also experience light sensitivity, eye pain, or blurred vision, and you might have a discharge in one or in both eyes that forms a crust and prevents you from properly opening your eyes upon waking.

If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s best to visit Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care to rule out more serious underlying eye conditions that can cause eye redness.

Make sure you stop wearing any eye makeup or contact lenses for the affected eye as soon as you believe you might have pink eye. Pink eye doesn’t usually impact your vision, but it can be irritating and concerning.

What causes pink eye?

Pink eye can be caused by a number of factors, such as:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Allergies
• Blocked tear ducts (newborns)
• Chemical splash or irritation in your eye
• Foreign object in your eye

When an infected eye drains liquid, this can spread contagious forms of pink eye through both indirect or direct contact.

How is pink eye treated?

Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care provides an array of treatments and methods to ease your discomfort, such as:

• Antiviral medications
• Cold or warm compresses
• Prescription allergy eye drops
• Eye drops
• Artificial tears
• Antihistamines
• Mast cell stabilizers
• Decongestants, steroids, and anti-inflammatories

You should also try cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth. In some circumstances, your optometrist might recommend antibiotic eye drops.

To help prevent pink eye, you should maintain good eye health and practice good hygiene. Limit direct contact with other people’s eyes, don’t share eye makeup, and make sure you wash your hands frequently and properly.

Don’t just deal with pink eye when there are effective treatments. Use the convenient online scheduler or call Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care today.