Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a very common eye ailment. It impacts adults and children alike, though it is mostly connected with children. Our team at Modern Eyes Optometry in Carlsbad will help you manage pink eye treatment and prevention. Here are some important things to know.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is an infection of the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane attached to your eyelid and the whites of your eyes. When bacteria or a virus get into it, it triggers an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, infection.
The Symptoms of Pink Eye
The most common symptom of pink eye is the sclera turning pink from inflammation. This gives the ailment its nickname. Other symptoms include itching and pain in the eye and surrounding area. There is also often a thick discharge that can crust around the eyelid.
Pink Eye Treatment
Our optometrist can diagnose pink eye. So if you think you or your child might have it, make sure you make an appointment. After an examination, we can help. Unfortunately, antibiotics will only help in a few cases. This is because the vast majority of pink eye cases are caused by viral infection. Antibiotics will not affect a virus and may cause harm to your body’s immune defense in the future.
Instead, care often involves managing your symptoms. Warm and cold compresses can bring down the swelling and inflammation within your eye, providing some relief. You will also want to carefully clean your eyelid and the area around your eye with a soft cloth. By keeping the area clean, you will help the infection heal faster.
Pink Eye Prevention
The best approach is to avoid getting pink eye altogether. The most common way that germs get into your eyes is via your hand. So you should avoid touching your eyes as much as possible. Since you will still need to touch them occasionally, make sure that you also wash your hands often. Washing your hands will get rid of the germs, keeping them away from your eyes. Never share eye makeup with other people, since that can cause germs to travel. The same goes for towels and pillowcases.
Contact Our Optometrist in Carlsbad, CA
When you get pink eye, it can be a miserable experience. But if you know how to prevent and treat it, you can minimize your discomfort more easily. At Modern Eyes Optometry in Carlsbad, Dr. Wang is here to help you with your eye care, including treatment for pink eye. Call our team today at (760) 678-0008 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
