Do I Have Pink Eye? How to Spot the Signs of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also commonly known as pink eye, is a condition in which the conjunctiva becomes infected. Because there are other causes of eye irritation that may not be related to pink eye, many patients are unsure about what condition they may have. The experts at Schwartz Laser Eye provide details on the symptoms of pink eye and options for treatment.

Pink Eye Causes

Pink eye can be the result of several factors, including:

Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis is when the eyes are exposed to certain types of bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia, typically via unclean hands or using contaminated products near the eyes. When pink eye is caused by bacteria, it is highly contagious.

Viruses: Viruses that are associated with conditions like colds or sinus infections can also cause pink eye. As with bacteria, virus-related pink eye can easily be spread from you to others.

Allergens: Exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other similar substances can lead to irritation or inflammation in one or both eyes.

Certain substances: Irritating chemicals, like cosmetics or pool chlorine, can leave you at risk of developing an eye infection.

Symptoms

If you have any of the following symptoms, it is time to visit a qualified eye professional, such as a member of the team at Schwartz Laser, for diagnosis and treatment:

• Eye redness near the eyelid rim
• Redness in the white part of your eyes
• Thick, yellowish, green, or white secretions that coat the eyelashes, indicating infection
• Foreign object sensation in the eyes
• Eye irritation or burning
• Light sensitivity
• Swollen eyelids

Pink Eye Treatment

Pink eye should first be diagnosed with an eye examination, which also helps our doctors determine its cause and informs treatment. Pink eye caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics, which may come in the form of eye drops or a pill.

How Contagious is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is well-known for being contagious and can be spread in many ways, including:

• Touching surfaces that contain bacteria or viruses before rubbing or touching your eye area.
• Shaking hands with someone after touching your eyes. If that person also touches their eyes, they could develop pink eye.
• Using contaminated makeup. Sharing contaminated makeup or products that are applied near the eyes, such as face cream, can increase the spread of pink eye.

Schedule an Appointment

While pink eye is usually a minor infection, it can indicate a more serious issue. Protect your eye health and book an appointment with our highly skilled doctors today.