Almost every day we receive phone calls from patients at
Center for Sight asking how they know if they have conjunctivitis or “pink
eye”. Patients should understand that
without having an external eye exam with one of the doctors-it is pretty much
impossible for us to be able to tell. With that in mind, you should call and
ask to come in to see us so that we can examine your eye and discuss a number
of symptoms that help us determine if you have “pink eye” or conjunctivitis.
Here are some things we will consider in the exam and diagnosis of
conjunctivitis:
Bacterial 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.
Viral Conjunctivitis
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.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
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 for Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis
Most of the treatments for pink eye conjunctivitis are
supportive. Prescribing antibiotic eye drops does not treat viral
conjunctivitis but does work well in treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Regardless
of the cause, it is important to minimize the exposure and contamination 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 has questions about
pink eye conjunctivitis symptoms, diagnosis or treatment or needs to schedule
an appointment, please call us at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google+ or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an
appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently
located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
