Almost every day, patients call us at D’Ambrosio Eye Care
to ask us whether we think they have conjunctivitis or “pink eye”. Without
coming in for an actual external eye exam it is difficult if not impossible to
tell. But when you do come in, we certainly know what to look for and will be
able to tell you for sure-and if necessary, how to treat it.
Signs & Symptoms of
Pink Eye Conjunctivitis
There are a number of signs and symptoms that help us
determine if you have “pink eye” or conjunctivitis. If you have a bacterial
infection causing pink eye conjunctivitis, you will usually have very red eyes.
You may find crusting on your eyelids that can make them stick together as well
as a heavy, pus-like discharge from your eyes that may be greenish at times.
This infection may spread to both eyes. If you have a viral conjunctivitis we
often will find a very red, swollen eye, crusty eyelids and a more watery
discharge. This discharge can also have strands of mucus or white, ropy
strands. While many cases of viral pink eye infect only one eye, this infection
can also spread to the other eye. If you have an allergic conjunctivitis and
your allergies are causing your conjunctivitis, it will often look similar to
viral conjunctivitis. Your eyes will be red and tearing. However, they will
also be itchy. It is likely you may have a stuffy, runny or itchy nose as well.
Treatment of Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis
MOST of the time, the treatment is primarily supportive. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections
but do work well in treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Regardless of the
cause, it is important to minimize exposure of others by washing your hands
frequently and throwing away used tissues. Do not share towels or pillow cases.
Consider staying home from work or school until you are symptom-free for 24
hours. If you are a contact lens wearer, you should discontinue their use and
stick with glasses until your infection clears. Then start with a fresh pair of
lenses and a clean lens case.
If
you or someone you know is concerned about having “pink eye” conjunctivitis
please schedule a visit at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937,
visiting D’Ambrosio Eye
Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an
appropriate treatment plan.
D'Ambrosio
Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and
western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike,
Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts
01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner,
Massachusetts 01440.
