Pink Eye

Pink eye is generally a harmless inflammation of the eye, however it can be very irritating and it’s important to understand the condition and to know what steps to take.

Pink eye, known medically as conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the transparent layer that covers the inner eyelid and the outer part of the eyeball. This is a common condition which causes a red irritated eye with discharge. It usually passes on its own, or with medication when necessary, within a week or so. There are three main types of conjunctivitis - viral, bacterial or allergic,and depending on the type of pink eye there are good treatment methods.

Both viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious in nature. It is typically spread through indirect or direct contact with a person who has pink eye which could lead to the spread of infection in one or both eyes. However, it does not cause any serious consequences to the health of the individual if it is treated and diagnosed immediately. Pink eye is extremely common in children because it can spread in class due to close contact and also children tend to be less hygienic than adults are.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If pink eye is identified in a newborn, immediate care from an eye doctor should be given to avoid any long term damage to the baby’s vision.

If you have pink eye along with any of the following conditions, please schedule an eye exam right away with our eye doctor in Bellflower, as it is important to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment:

Pain in the eyes
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision that does not go away when carefully wiping away discharge
Symptoms that get worse or if bacterial pink eye doesn’t improve with antibiotics
Weak immune system due to various medical conditions, such as a person going through cancer treatment

Types of Pink Eye

The most common type of pink eye is viral conjunctivitis and it is also usually the most contagious. It often starts in one eye and causes tears and watery discharge. After a few days, it starts infecting the other eye as well.

The second major type of pink eye is bacterial. Like the viral strains, this also starts in one eye and gradually shows up in the other one as well, but this strain causes the release of a lot of pus and mucus from the eye. It is important to note that there are types of bacteria which cause pink eye and yet do not lead to pus from the eyes.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is caused by an allergic reaction so it’s essential to determine the trigger to avoid future allergic reactions.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of pink eye experienced by patients are as follows:

Redness
Severe itchiness
Discharge from the eyes
Gritty feeling
Excess tearing

Treatment

For all types of conjunctivitis it’s important to stop wearing contact lenses and makeup until the conjunctivitis goes away. If you were wearing disposable contact lenses when the infection started, it is advised to throw them away and open a new pack when it’s safe to start wearing contact lenses again. If you are using reusable lenses, please sterilize them very carefully before using again. Be careful to wash your hands and anything else that comes into contact with your eyes such as washcloths, pillow cases, and makeup brushes in order to maintain healthy eyes and prevent future irritations. Do not touch or rub the infected eye with your hands. Tissues can be used for wiping away discharge, in case the need arises. For all types of conjunctivitis, some people find over-the-counter artificial tears helpful to reduce symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis is not treated medicinally, but will heal on its own within a week or two. If it's a bacterial pink eye, which usually has more pus than the other types, antibacterial eye drops will be prescribed. For both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, warm compress can provide relief and help reduce inflammation. You can use a warm washcloth to gently clean away the mucus from your eye. To treat pink eye caused by allergies, use allergy medicine and you can reduce irritation by using a cool, damp washcloth.

Prevention

Cleanliness is extremely important to keep your eyes clean and to avoid future infection. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is recommended, especially before touching your eyes. Eye makeup, lenses or eye drops should not be shared with others.

Common Questions

Can my eye be pink or red without having conjunctivitis?

Many of our patients who have red eyes wonder if they have an eye infection. Just because you have red, irritated or swollen eyes does not necessarily mean you have pink eye which is medically known as conjunctivitis. It is also possible for your symptoms to be caused by a wide variety of conditions such as seasonal allergies, extended use or overuse of contact lenses, dry eye, marijuana use, styes, extended use of computers or phones, iritis, chalazion (inflammation of the eyelid gland), or blepharitis (inflammation or infection of the eyelid skin). None of these conditions are contagious. Another common example is red eye that is due to a lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep decreases oxygen that is available for the eyes; this causes blood vessels to dilate and give the appearance of being red or bloodshot. If your pink or red eye symptoms persist for longer than a day, you should see an optometrist.

Is pink eye contagious?

Pink eye is generally contagious, especially in the case of viral or bacterial infections. It can be spread through direct contact with discharge from the eye, or through shared objects such as towels or pillows. To prevent the spread of pink eye, it is important to practice good hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, and avoid sharing personal items. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Bellflower.

How long does pink eye last?

The duration of pink eye can vary, but most cases resolve within a week or two. Viral pink eye tends to resolve more quickly than bacterial pink eye, which may take longer to clear up. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

How is pink eye diagnosed?

Pink eye is typically diagnosed by an eye doctor during an eye examination. The provider will examine the eye and may take a sample of the discharge to test for the presence of bacteria or viruses. In some cases, allergy testing may be done to determine the cause of the pink eye. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Can you go to work with pink eye?

If you have pink eye, it is generally best to stay home until your symptoms have improved. Pink eye can be contagious, so it is important to avoid spreading the infection to others. If you must go to work or school while you have pink eye, it is important to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Bellflower.

Can pink eye cause headaches?

In some cases, pink eye can cause discomfort and irritation, which can lead to headaches. However, pink eye is not the direct cause of headaches. If you are experiencing headaches in addition to pink eye, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get proper treatment. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Can pink eye cause vision loss?

In most cases, pink eye is not serious and does not cause vision loss. However, if pink eye is caused by an infection or other underlying health condition, it can lead to more serious complications, such as vision loss. It is important to see a doctor if you have pink eye and are experiencing vision changes or other unusual symptoms. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Bellflower.

Can pink eye cause fever?

Pink eye is usually not accompanied by a fever. However, if you have pink eye and also have a fever, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get proper treatment. A fever may indicate a more serious infection or underlying health condition. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Bellflower.

Who is more likely to get pink eye?

People who work in close proximity with others, such as in schools, daycare centers, and healthcare facilities, and those with weakened immune systems, allergies, and contact lens wear are more likely to develop pink eye. Children are also more prone to developing pink eye due to their close proximity to others and their tendency to touch their eyes and face more frequently. If you are experiencing pink eye, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (562) 925-6591. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Bellflower.

Summary

Pink eye is an extremely common inflammation of the front layer of the eye which causes red irritated eyes. There are different causes for pink eye and identifying the cause allows for the proper treatment. Pink eye usually goes away within a few weeks. If you have pink eye and the symptoms are not improving or are getting worse after 24 hours, please schedule an appointment with our eye doctor by calling (562) 925-6591 who can properly diagnose the cause and provide the appropriate treatment. Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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