Conjunctivitis

Most forms of pink eye/red eye respond quickly to treatment, and a visit to our office is much faster than a trip to the walk-in.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is often called pink eye or red eye because of how its symptoms present. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

It results when the conjunctiva – the thin layer of clear cells that on the white portion of the eye and inside of your eyelid – become inflamed.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Your specific case of conjunctivitis may display a combination of all or some of the symptoms below:

• Pink or red coloration to the white part of your eye
• Tearing, watery eyes
• Itchy, scratchy, burning sensation
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Do Not Wear Contacts if You Have Pink Eye

If you have conjunctivitis, do not wear your contact lenses. The lenses may irritate the eyes further, exacerbate existing symptoms or prolong their duration.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis has several varied causes. For this reason, a proper diagnosis is needed to determine the appropriate treatment.

Causes include:

• Pathogens – Pink eye/red eye can be caused by certain types of bacteria and viruses, though the bacterial variant is more common.
• Allergens – Many people with allergies present conjunctivitis as a symptom.
• Chemicals – Many chemicals found in hygiene products, detergents, soaps, and other parts of our lives can cause conjunctivitis. We can help you isolate which ones are irritating your eyes.