Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a fairly common eye condition that causes the eye area to become inflamed, which in turn causes the eye to look pink. Even though it is considered to be a minor eye infection, it can turn into something more serious. While conjunctivitis is most often found in children, adults can be diagnosed with this eye condition as well.
An optometrist is an eye care professional who can diagnose pink eye in those who have this contagious condition. Pink eye is often caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. It can also happen when someone experiences an allergic reaction or swims in a swimming pool with chlorine. People who wear contact lenses that lead to an allergic reaction can get pink eye as well. According to the American Optometric Association, people with conjunctivitis may experience an itching or burning sensation, discharge, swollen eyelids and increased sensitivity to light.
Many cases of pink eye will completely heal on their own. However, those who are experiencing a lot of pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light should make an evaluation appointment. Also, people with a weakened immune system or who have not experienced any improvement after 24 hours of at-home treatment should go to the optometrist too. The following list includes a few beneficial treatment tips from an optometrist for those who have contracted pink eye.
Pink eye often makes it difficult for someone to open their eyes when they wake up in the morning, as the eyelids tend to be stuck together. This happens due to the discharge that happens during the night, causing the eyes to become crusty. Gently wiping the eyes with a clean cloth dipped in warm water will get rid of this annoying crust.
Applying a cold compress to the eyes will help address the swelling and dryness that happens when someone is diagnosed with conjunctivitis. Simply place a cold compress on the eyes to help ease any discomfort or pain caused by swollen and dry eyes. This treatment allows for faster healing time.
Those who wear contact lenses need to stop wearing them until the eyes are completely healed. A pink eye diagnosis means the eyes are swollen, dry and irritated. If contact lenses are placed in the eye, it will cause the eyes to become worse. Eyeglasses need to be worn instead, as this helps the eyes heal much faster.
When someone is diagnosed with conjunctivitis, it means that the eyes are going to be overall weaker, more apt to respond to stress and more sensitive to bright lights. Looking at computers and cell phones will strain the eyes, making it more difficult to be rid of this common eye condition once and for all.
It is essential for those living with pink eye to avoid rubbing the eyes. Since pink eye can make the eyes itch, it is easy for someone to start rubbing the eyes and not even realize. Rubbing will make the condition worse. Therefore, those who are experiencing itchy eyes are encouraged to use a clean cloth instead.
Ready to make an appointment with an experienced optometrist so you can know for sure whether or not you have pink eye? Since there are three different types of pink eye, it really is a good idea for you to be evaluated so you are sure to receive the right type of treatment. During your appointment, you are free to ask any questions you have, as the more you understand about pink eye, your chances of being diagnosed again are going to be much smaller.
Request an appointment here: https://brighteyesny.com or call Bright Eyes Optometry at (914) 730-9574 for an appointment in our New Rochelle office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses for those looking to improve their vision. They offer aesthetic appeal, a better and more natural field of vision, and flexibility, among other benefits. Despite these benefits, contact lenses require some adjustment and must be handled with care. Here are some key things to know if you are…
Just because sunglasses are tinted does not mean they provide the protection your eyes need. In fact, unless they provide the right UV protection, your eyes are still at risk for damage from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Here is what you need to know about UV rays and why sunglasses with the right UV…
Optometrists ensure your eyes function properly and help maintain their internal and external health. They are trained to identify, treat, and manage conditions that affect any of these factors. Discover why maintaining a relationship with an optometrist's office through regular can greatly benefit your overall health and boost your quality of life.Optometrists are healthcare professionals…
Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three years on average. However, it is important to update the prescription regularly. Doing so ensures supreme vision correction, as well as alleviates eye strain and other symptoms of an incorrect prescription.According to recommendations from the American Optometric Association (AOA), patients…
Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses for those looking to improve their vision. They…
Here is what you need to know about UV rays and why sunglasses with the…
Discover why maintaining a relationship with an optometrist's office through regular can greatly benefit your…
Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three…
Contact lenses correct vision discreetly. However, patients must care for contacts properly to enjoy their…
However, if you are unsure whether you should see an eye doctor, here are five…
