In addition to evaluating your visual clarity, an eye exam can assess your eye health and diagnose infections, conditions, or diseases like pink eye. While pink eye is a common eye condition, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your vision. At Eyecare Professionals in Mandan, Hazen and Washburn, ND, we provide a variety of treatments to ease your discomfort and help you see clearly.
Understanding Pink Eye
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva of your eye. This thin and translucent tissue covers the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. When the conjunctiva is irritated, it causes the vessels in your eyes to dilate and appear red or pink. Anyone can get pink eye, but it’s more common in children since they tend to rub their eyes more often. Along with that, pink eye is caused by contagious viruses or bacteria that can be spread by touching others after you’ve touched your eyes. Generally, pink eye doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyes, however, if it is left unchecked, it can become more serious and impair your eye health and sight.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
- Red eyes or itchy eyes
- A yellow or watery discharge from your eye
- Eyelid swelling
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
Anytime you experience problems with your eyes or vision, contact our optometrists for an exam. We can determine the root cause of your pink eye and provide prompt treatment that will preserve your eyesight.
Types of Pink Eye
There are three main types of pink eye: allergic, chemical and infectious. Allergic and chemical pink eye occur when an irritant like pollen or a chemical enter your eye and are not contagious. Infections pink eye, on the other hand, is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
If you have viral conjunctivitis, the symptoms are usually mild and often clear up within two weeks. However, the condition can be highly contagious during this time, so you’ll need to take precautions to protect others. If your symptoms persist, visit our optometrist so we can offer treatment. We may prescribe eyedrops or antiviral medicine help clear up the infection.
Bacterial pink eye can be caused by rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, using contaminated eye products, or coming into contact with someone with this condition. While mild cases can resolve within a few days, more severe cases make take weeks to clear up. Our eye doctor can prescribe antibiotic ointment or drops to help expedite your recovery.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye, our team at Eyecare Professionals in Mandan, Hazen and Washburn, ND, can help. Once we learn more about your condition, we can provide the necessary treatment that will reduce your symptoms. To schedule your appointment, contact our Mandan office at (701) 663-2020, our Hazen office at (701) 748-6533, or our Washburn location at (701) 462-8636. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist you!
