When to Visit the Doctor for Pink Eye

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that can cause discharge, redness, swelling, and itching. Typically, it is not serious. However, some symptoms may require a doctor’s attention. According to the CDC, you should seek a doctor’s evaluation if your pink eye infection causes certain symptoms. 

Treatment for Pink Eye

Sometimes, it is necessary to seek medical attention for pink eye, but this is not always necessary. To help relieve or reduce some of the dryness and inflammation caused by pink eye, you can use artificial tears and cold compresses. You can purchase them over the counter in most drugstores even without a prescription. 

If you use contact lenses, you should stop wearing them until an eye doctor tells you that it is okay to wear them back. If you do not need to visit an eye doctor, you should still avoid wearing contact lenses until your symptoms go away. 

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, is an infection or inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva. This is the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid. It covers the white part of the eye. Inflammation of the small blood vessels in your conjunctiva makes them more visible, making your eyes look pink or reddish. 

Conjunctiva often stems from a viral or bacterial infection, an incompletely opened tear duct, or an allergic reaction. Though this eye condition can be irritating and highly contagious, it rarely affects one’s vision. Fortunately, treatment can significantly ease the symptoms of pink eye. It can also limit its spread. 

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Regardless of the type of conjunctivitis you get, the symptoms tend to be similar. They include:

• Eye pain.
• Excessive watering.
• Eye redness.
• Burning sensation in the eyes.
• Itching.
• A thick discharge from the affected eye.

If your condition seems to worsen and comes with other symptoms such as fevers and pain, you need to seek medical attention. 

When to Seek Medical Care for Pink Eye

You need to visit your eye doctor if you have pink eye along with any of the following symptoms:

• Eye pain.
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light that fails to improve when you wipe the discharge from your eyes.
• A weakened immune system due to cancer treatment, HIV infection, or other health conditions or medical treatments.
• Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after one day of antibiotic use.
• Excessive redness in the eyes.

That said, if you have a newborn with symptoms of pink eye, you need to take him/her to a doctor immediately. 

Conjunctivitis Treatment at Home

You can treat most of the symptoms of pink eye at home. Some of the tips that can help relieve the burning and itching sensation caused by inflammation include gently wiping your eyes with a wet, clean cloth and applying a warm or cold compress on your eyes. 

You can also apply artificial eye drops into your eyes or use allergy eye drops and antihistamine drugs for allergic conjunctivitis. 

To learn more about pink eye, visit Grove Eye Care at our office in Richmond or Midlothian, Virginia. You can call (804) 353-3937 or (804) 888-8998 today to schedule an appointment.