Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye or Red Eye)
Vision Services
Conjunctivitis
Most forms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) respond favorably to treatment and symptom management. We can reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms while alleviating your discomfort.
Pink eye can be caused by several different things from the environment around us to pathogens that are spread from person to person. Each unique cause of pink eye responds best to certain treatments. With a proper diagnosis, we can quickly identify the origin of your conjunctivitis and the best course of treatment.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis describes when the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye) becomes inflamed. Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes it to turn visibly red. It can be caused by a variety of factors, though the most common are bacterial, viral, and allergic causes.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
This is the most common type of conjunctivitis that we encounter. This form of pink eye is highly contagious, and it can spread quickly through populations of people. Several different types of bacteria can cause bacterial conjunctivitis, and in most cases, transmission is done via hand/eye contact.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is quite contagious and can quickly spread. It can be caused by many different viruses, including viruses responsible for the common cold, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body has an allergic response to external stimuli. Seasonal allergy sufferers, like those with hay fever, have likely experienced this version of pink eye at least once.
Symptoms include:
- Increased tear production (watery eyes)
- Burning, itchy, and scratchy sensations in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Thick, yellowish discharge from the eye
- Thin, watery eye discharge
Symptoms can be managed through a combination of eye drops and supportive therapy. Warm compresses can go a long way in alleviating discomfort. We will provide you with a specific course of treatment based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.