What is pink eye?
"Pink eye" is the everyday name for conjunctivitis, inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids. It has three main causes:
- Viral conjunctivitis: the most common type. Often comes with a cold, causes watery discharge, and is very contagious. It usually clears on its own in one to two weeks.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: tends to cause thicker yellow or green discharge and crusty lids, especially in the morning. Prescription antibiotic drops can help.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: itchy, watery eyes in both eyes, often with sneezing. Not contagious. Very common in the Valley during pollen and dust season.
Because the treatment is different for each type, and some serious eye problems look like pink eye at first, it's worth having a red eye checked rather than guessing.
When a red eye needs prompt care
Call an eye doctor right away if a red eye comes with any of these:
- Eye pain, not just irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision that doesn't clear with blinking
- You wear contact lenses
- An injury, or something may be stuck in your eye
- Symptoms that are getting worse after a few days
A special warning for contact lens wearers
If you wear contacts and your eye turns red or painful, take your lenses out and don't put them back in until you've been seen. A red eye in a contact lens wearer can be a sign of a corneal infection, which needs prompt treatment to protect your vision.
Why see an optometrist instead of urgent care?
Optometrists examine the eye with a slit lamp microscope, which shows the cornea, eyelids and inside of the eye in fine detail. That makes it easier to tell pink eye from allergies, dry eye, a scratch, or a deeper inflammation, and to prescribe the right drops. Medical eye visits are usually billed to your medical insurance.
Preventing the spread
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes
- Use your own towel and pillowcase, and wash them often
- Throw away eye makeup used while infected
- Replace your contact lens case and lenses once the infection clears
Red, irritated eyes? Call us at (602) 263-0850. We'll do our best to see you the same day. More about medical eye care.