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What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is when there is swelling and redness that often leads to irritation of one of the front surfaces of the eyes. Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). The conjuntiva is a thin clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye. When a patient has pink eye this tissue, rather than being clear, the tissue and blood vessels swell.

Pink Eye causes many symptoms that can range widely with how much they affect a person. Pink Eye can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge, itchiness, irritation, burning, and it can even affect your vision.

Causes of Pink Eye

There are many causes of Pink Eye. The type that most people refer to as Pink Eye is when it is from a viral infection. Viral Pink Eye is one of the most common causes, and it is very contagious. Viral Pink Eye is often spread in popular settings like schools.

Other causes of Pink Eye include allergies, bacterial infections, contamination, reactions to medications, and contact lenses, to name a few. In certain cases, conditions such as Dry Eye Syndrome can at times mimic the symptoms of Pink Eye.

Treatment of Pink Eye

The most important part in the management is determining what is the cause of the Pink Eye. Treatment can include over-the-counter drops, prescription drops, prescription ointments, and at times prescription oral medications.

When to See a Professional

If symptoms persist, there are visual changes, the eyes are uncomfortable, there is pain, there is excessive discharge, or if the eyes are very red it is recommended to be evaluated by a professional. It is recommended to see an eye doctor like the optometrists at Gilbert Eyecare, because examining the eyes directly with the proper equipment is crucial for determining the right cause of the Pink Eye, and to rule out other things from causing the appearance of Pink Eye.

Especially in times where you are in excessive pain or there is visual loss, please don’t hesitate to call us right away and we can help. Contact us at 757-622-0200 (Norfolk) or 757-425-0200 (Virginia Beach).

Virginia Beach Location

Our Virginia Beach Eye Care office is conveniently located off Laskin Road in Hilltop.

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