Your Optometrist Treats Pink Eye
Don't allow an annoying and uncomfortable eye condition persist any longer. See us at Epic Vision Center and have a thorough eye exam to properly diagnose your pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of those fairly common eye issues that appear when your immune system is taxed, or you've been in contact with other individuals who have pink eye. It is a highly contagious condition.
Once our eye doctor gives you a full vision exam, we're better able to understand and treat accordingly. We want you to experience recovery and wellness for the itchy and redness associated with your pink eye.
What is pink eye?
Commonly referred to as conjunctivitis, pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear thin tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid over the white part of the eye. When it becomes infected it doesn't necessarily lead to vision damage, however seeking immediate treatment will minimize the effects of the condition spreading further to other parts of the eye.
Pink eye typically clears up on its own, with no long-term complications. Optometry is your best resource in managing the irritating problem, through healing eye drops, rest, avoiding hand contact with the infected eye, by not rubbing the eye and spreading it elsewhere. Children and daycare centers tend to have more of a prevalence of conjunctivitis, and we recommend a visit with our eye doctor in Kansas and Missouri to take all necessary precautions in managing and healing the condition.
Possible causes of pink eye
There are several things to blame when conjunctivitis shows up, including:
- An adverse reaction to eye drops
- Environmental irritants such as pollen, smoke from fires, or dust
- Commonplace irritants such as shampoo, chlorine in swimming pools, dirt, or cigarette smoke
- Bacteria
- Viruses associated with the common cold or flu
- An allergic reaction to molds and parasites
While the above need to be diagnosed fairly quick in order for our optometrist to treat your pink eye, we recommend not coming into contact with anyone or anything that can exacerbate the condition.
How our optometry team can help
We encourage you to learn more from our optometrist about how to avoid contracting pink eye. In the meantime, our treatment depends on the cause. If it's a common cold, we suggest allowing the illness to run its course with rest and fluids. If your conjunctivitis is bacterial, we'll send you home with ointment, eye drops, or possibly antibiotics. If your pink eye is caused by irritants, we recommend using tepid water to wash away excess debris.