CALLS & EMERGENCY/AFTER HOURS

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CALLS & EMERGENCY/AFTER HOURS

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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Pink Eye

If you think that pink eye is only something that kids can get, think again. At Dr. Dorothy Park and Associates in Columbia, SC, we know that is not true. Pink eye is an inflammation of the clear covering of the white of the eye. It also infects inside the eyelid too. Properly called conjunctivitis there actually more than one type. Our staff can diagnose, treat, and give you helpful preventative strategies for pink eye.

pink eye

Types of Pink Eye

Unbeknownst to most, there is more than one type of conjunctivitis. The three types are viral, bacterial, and allergic.

  • Viral Pink Eye (PE) – Brought on by a virus, not unlike the common cold virus. This is our most common and familiar type being extremely contagious.
  • Bacterial PE – Brought on by a bacterium, this type can lead to further vision complication if left not treated. It is wise to see your eye care professional at the first sign of this conjunctivitis.
  • Allergic PE – Brought on by allergens such as animal dander, pollen, dust. Only those open to allergen issues are struck.

 Signs & Symptoms

The most common symptom of pink eye we think of most is the “pink eye” part where the white part of the eye turns a pink color. Considering the type of conjunctivitis you have the symptoms can vary.

  • Viral PE – Most common the symptoms are eyes itchy and watering. Can be sensitive to light. Infect one or both eyes.
  • Allergic PE – Same as viral PE symptoms can include itchy, watery eyes, and also include burning, runny nose/ stuffy nose. Can infect both eyes, but not contagious.
  • Bacterial PE – Symptoms of this type of PE often result in a green or yellow discharge from the eyes often being so bad you wake up with your eyes sticky crusted shut. As with viral, bacterial is contagious.

Treatment

Treatment for pink eye depends on the type you have. Since it is hard to sometime know the type of conjunctivitis you have by just the symptoms alone, it is advised to visit your eye care professional and get a proper diagnosis. Again, if it’s viral usually no medical treatment will be prescribed though some doctors might. Tips on how to relieve the irritating symptoms such as putting a wet cold cloth on your eyes are often advised as well as prevention tips. For allergic PE, allergy medication is usually advised. For bacterial PE, treatment is antibiotics are prescribed along with, ointment or eye drops to clear up the infection.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Think pink eye has struck your home? Don’t hesitate to call us. Located in the Columbia, SC area, we are here for your emergency and after hour vision needs servicing you with only the best in optometry technology. You can call us at (803) 254-6306 to schedule an appointment!

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed