Pink Eye Diagnosis and Treatment
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the tissue over the whites of the eye. If you experience discomfort with one or both eyes, you need to get an eye exam. At Child & Family Eyecare in Wichita, KS, our optometrist diagnoses and treats pink eye. Our goal is to keep your eyes and vision at their best.
Pink Eye Symptoms
Pink eye comes with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Red eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Excessive tears
- Yellow, green, or white eye discharge
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to lights
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you experience these symptoms, call our optometrist to determine if you need to come in for an exam.
Risk Factors for Pink Eye
Anybody can get pink eye, but children are much more susceptible to the condition. While conjunctivitis is not necessarily a serious condition, it does spread easily.
Pink eye can be a viral or bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by irritants like shampoo or dirt. Some people get pink as a result of pollen, dust, smoke, and dirty contact lenses.
When to Seek Treatment
If you have pink eye, you should see our eye doctor. You should especially make an appointment if you notice signs like severe pain, eye discharge, high fever, chills, or vision loss. In some of these cases, a more serious ailment may be to blame.
Pink Eye Treatment
Treatment for pink eye will depend on what is causing your conjunctivitis. If the cause is a virus, you may have to let the infection run its course and simply try to avoid spreading the condition to others. If your case of pink eye was caused by bacteria, you may be able to use antibiotics to treat the infection. You will also benefit from using ointments. In some cases, irritation is the cause of the problem. Washing the area and staying away from allergic triggers can also be useful.
As you wait to get treatment for pink eye, keep your hands and face clean. Avoid touching other people or allowing them to touch your eyes. Our eye doctor might also recommend washing your blankets and pillowcases. Additionally, you should avoid covering your eye, as this can spread infection.
Visit Our Optometrist in Wichita, KS for Pink Eye Treatment
At Child & Family Eyecare in Wichita, KS, our team will help you get treatment for pink eye. It is important to get a diagnosis so you do not spread conjunctivitis. Call our clinic today to schedule an appointment.