Conjunctivitis Relief from Your Optometrists in Northern Virginia

Symptoms of conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, typically appear before signs of discomfort.  Fortunately, an eye exam and treatment from one of our Associates in Eyecare optometrists can bring relief.  Our multiple offices serve Washington, DC patients and those in the Oakton, Bristow, Stone Ridge, Dunn Loring, McLean, Ashburn, Chantilly, and Dumfries areas of Virginia.

What Exactly is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is an inflammation or swelling of the transparent tissue lining the inner eyelid.  It covers the white portion of the eye and is known as the conjunctiva.  The disorder is especially common among children.  Because it is sometimes extremely contagious, following eye disease prevention steps is important.

This condition can have viral, bacterial, or allergic causes.  Our optometrist cites these common culprits:

• Viruses such as the common cold
• Certain sexually transmitted diseases
• Reactions to objects that touch the eye, such as contact lenses
• Contaminated makeup or lotions
• Bacterial infections
• Allergic reactions to things like smoke, cosmetic ingredients, and pollen

Symptoms vary by type.  However, the hallmark of the disorder is the pinkish appearance of an eye.  Other common symptoms include:

• Eye discharge
• Excessive tearing
• Gritty sensation
• Swollen eyelids
• Excessive light sensitivity
• Burning or itching eyes

Conjunctivitis Treatment Options

Our optometrists will readily discuss eye disease prevention steps to reduce the risk of contracting conjunctivitis.  Treatment goals are reducing inflammation and discomfort and preventing the spread of the condition when a case appears contagious. Treating this disorder successfully is the result of a combination of professional optometric services and self-care. 

Most infections are fairly minor health issues.  Professional treatment is necessary to make sure they do not become more significant problems.  Avoiding touching the eyes is also important.  The type of infection determines the appropriate treatment option:

• For allergic reactions, avoiding exposure to the substance is crucial.  Also helpful for many of our patients are artificial tears, NSAIDs, cool compresses, or antihistamines.  In some cases, steroid eye drops are appropriate.
• Bacterial infections usually improve after a few days of antibiotics in drop or ointment form.
• Virus-caused infections wane over several weeks.  Artificial tears and cool compresses provide comfort.
• For chemical irritants, saline flushing is appropriate.  Sometimes topical steroids are also necessary.

Schedule an Eye Exam with One of Our Optometrists

Don’t suffer unnecessarily from an outbreak of conjunctivitis.  Our doctors provide full-service optometric care ranging from vision correction to eye disease management at multiple locations for patients in DC and in the Ashburn, Chantilly, Dunn Loring, Stone Ridge, Oakton, Bristow, Dumfries, and McLean areas of Northern Virginia.  To schedule an eye exam, call the Associates in Eyecare location most convenient for you today.