Should I Go to an Eye Doctor for Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the conjunctiva, which is the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Often called pink eye, conjunctivitis is a common eye disease, especially in children.
If you think you may have pink eye, you should contact your eye doctor right away. Some forms of pink eye are highly contagious and can easily spread in schools and at home. The condition can affect one or both eyes.
People with conjunctivitis may experience the following symptoms:
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Discharge from one or both eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
The most common causes of pink eye are:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergens
- Chemicals
- Contact lens wear (especially wearing lenses overnight)
If you wear contact lenses and are diagnosed with pink eye, it is important that you do not wear contacts again until your eye is white and there is no discharge. Wearing contacts with pink eye can slow down the treatment process and increase the risk of the condition spreading. If you wear contacts and are diagnosed with either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, you should throw away the disposable lenses that you were wearing and the lens case. Contact lenses that are not disposable should be properly disinfected overnight.
If you developed conjunctivitis due to wearing contact lenses, Dr. Pennachio in Clermont may recommend that you switch to a different type of contact lens or cleaning solution. Changing your contact lens prescription to a lens that is replaced more frequently may help prevent the conjunctivitis from recurring.
If you suspect you may have pink eye, contact Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999 or website. Dr. Pennachio is fully equipped to diagnose the cause of your eye issue and prescribe the proper treatment.