If someone is suffering from pink eye, which is also known as conjunctivitis, a visit to the eye doctor may be warranted to confirm the diagnosis. Pink eye is an infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelid. Common symptoms of this very contagious condition include redness of the eye, itchiness, tearing and discharge from the infected eye. Although pink eye is irritating, it typically is not serious and often goes away with time. An eye doctor may be able to treat some of the symptoms although home remedies may help as well.
When a patient visits the eye doctor for conjunctivitis, the practitioner will ask a series of questions and examine the eye. The doctor may also test some of the discharged fluid to find out the source of the infection.
There are numerous causes of pink eye. If the irritation is due to allergies, the eye doctor may prescribe eye drops specifically designed for allergy symptoms. If the pink eye is due to herpes simplex virus, an antiviral medication may be given. The eye doctor will not usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops because most cases of pink eye are not due to bacteria, and antibiotics will not help.
In cases of severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or something stuck in the eye, an individual should see an eye doctor or visit urgent care as soon as possible. Medical assistance should also be sought for pink eye in a newborn. While conjunctivitis in children and adults usually does not affect long-term vision, pink eye can harm the eyesight of a very young infant.
Conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, and since it often spreads from one eye to the other, treatment should begin right away. Many cases of pink eye can be treated at home. For those who wear contact lenses, the doctor may advise taking them out until the infection is gone. Disposable contacts should be thrown away.
While antibiotic drops are not advised in most cases, over-the-counter drops that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients or antihistamines may help calm the redness and ease discomfort. They should not be overused, however, or the redness could increase.
Applying a warm or cool compress to the eyes can help soothe symptoms. Soak a clean washcloth in warm or cool water, wring it out and apply it over the closed, affected eye. Leave it on for a few minutes and reapply three to four times a day.
Since most cases of pink eye are viral, the infection will run its course between one and three weeks. During this time, it is important to wash hands frequently and avoid touching the eyes. Individuals with this eye condition should also stay home from school or work until the symptoms are gone.
Pink eye is a common eye infection that typically exhibits mild, although irritating, symptoms. Anyone experiencing pink eye should visit an eye doctor right away to make sure it is not a serious eye condition and to find out the most effective treatment options.
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