If your eye, or someone in your family's eye, looks red and feels gritty or itchy, it could be pink eye. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is usually not a serious condition, but it can be an annoying and contagious experience, so it's important to have it treated as soon as possible. Learn more about this infection and what to do if you spot pink eye in the following FAQ from World of Vision Power Optics.
How does someone get pink eye?
Pink eye is a type of eye infection in which the thin tissue over your eye and on the inner part of your eyelids becomes inflamed. This infection can be caused in a couple of different ways, with the most common being viral conjunctivitis, which is caused by certain viruses. This is an extremely contagious type of pink eye, and it's important for individuals with viral conjunctivitis to stay away from others until the condition clears up, which it will generally do on its own.
Conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergies like dust, pollen, and animal dander. This will also clear up on its own, and the symptoms cannot be passed on. Finally, there is a bacterial form of pink eye that may be caused by the introduction of bacteria into the eye. This is the most serious form of pink eye and should be checked out by an eye doctor. Bacteria-caused conjunctivitis will typically require antibiotics.
How long does pink eye last?
The length of pink eye will vary depending on what caused it or what type it is. For example, if your pink eye is due to a hay allergy that happened when you went into a barn, then you can expect it to clear up as soon as the next day. However, if you have viral conjunctivitis or bacteria-caused conjunctivitis, then your pink eye might persist for anywhere between four and fifteen days.
How can I make the discomfort go away?
Antibiotic eye drops are typically only prescribed for those diagnosed with bacterial-caused conjunctivitis, so we often receive calls from people looking for other solutions. We recommend first not wearing any contacts until at least a day after the pink eye clears up. This will help prevent further irritation while healing. Try wearing eyeglasses instead. That's why it's a good idea to always have a pair of eyeglasses on hand, even if you prefer wearing contacts. Also, rinse your eyes a few times a day to flush them out and always wash your hands before and after to prevent further spread.
Contact Our Eye Doctor in Vero Beach, FL
Pink eye can make life miserable. Dr. Weiss at World of Vision Power Optics is here to provide the quality eye care you need to relieve your pink eye. Give our Vero Beach optician a call today at (772) 562-2020 to schedule your eye care appointment.