If one or both of your eyes look a little red, you may suffer from conjunctivitis. Also referred to as "Pink Eye," conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye ailments affecting children and adults. It's typically due to viral or bacterial causes or exposure to allergens and irritants.
With conjunctivitis, the involved eye/s tends to look pinkish red. Simply put, the transparent tissues lining the inside of the eyelid and covering the white part of the eyeball become irritated and inflamed, making the small conjunctival blood vessels more visible.
The eyes may also feel gritty, itchy, or teary. Furthermore, it's not uncommon to experience a clear, yellowish-white, or green discharge from the eyes and crusting of the eyelids or lashes.
While conjunctivitis caused by allergens or irritants is not contagious, cases with viral or bacterial origins can easily spread. It's why children, office workers, college students, and anyone else who works closely with others have a higher risk of exposure to these germs.
It's essential to remember that proper hygiene, taking care not to rub your eyes, and not sharing personal items like cosmetics and towels are the best ways to stop the germs from spreading. Take care not to wear contact lenses if your eyes are red and irritated. Wear your prescription eyeglasses until our doctor gives you the all-clear to go back to wearing contacts.
Many cases are mild. However, prompt attention and care are needed with moderate to severe pain, significant eye redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, a pre-existing eye condition, worsening symptoms despite antibiotic treatment, or if you're immune-compromised.
At the office of Insight Eye Institute, we provide the highest quality of skilled and compassionate vision care. For more information on our office, give us a call today.
