Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Unfortunately, no treatment works for viral pink eye, but you can use a warm compress on the eyes to alleviate discomfort. This form of pink eye will run its course within a week to 10 days. Even so, it’s important to visit your optometrist so they can rule out bacterial pink eye.
Can an optometrist give antibiotics?
Optometrists often prescribe an antibiotic medication to patients suffering from a common eye infection. This type of medication will help clear up the infection so that it does not grow into other areas of the body.
What doctor is best for pink eye?
Regular primary care doctors can treat most cases of pink eye, so you may not need to see an eye doctor. See a doctor if you have: Moderate to severe pain in your eyes. Blurry vision.
Can you treat pink eye without going to the doctor?
There are times when it is important to seek medical care for conjunctivitis (pink eye). However, this is not always necessary. To help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by conjunctivitis, you can use cold compresses and artificial tears, which you can purchase over the counter without a prescription.
Should you see an optometrist for pink eye Related Questions
How do you get rid of pink eye fast?
Take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain killer. Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears). Put a warm, damp washcloth over your eyes for a few minutes. To make this warm compress:
How do doctors confirm pink eye?
Most of the time, your doctor can diagnose conjunctivitis by using a slit lamp—an instrument that consists of a microscope and a high-energy beam of light. During a slit-lamp exam, your ophthalmologist shines a thin beam of light into your eye.
Should I see an optometrist for an eye infection?
For your safety, always visit your eye doctor if you experience symptoms of an eye infection. They can assess your eye and recommend a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?
It’s common to mistake allergies, styes, iritis, keratitis, and blepharitis for pink eye, but they can have different causes and require different treatments. Your best option is to set up an exam with our team to identify what’s causing your symptoms and get the treatment that you need.
Can optometrist prescribe antibiotics for eye infection?
When an optometrist treats an eye infection, they’ll start by prescribing antibiotic drops that are designed to fight off the bacteria causing the infection. They’ll also prescribe a lubricant that will help keep your eyes moist so they don’t get dry or irritated.
What are the stages of pink eye?
Stages of bacterial pink eye A typical bacterial case may start like viral pink eye, with slight irritation and redness. Then drainage in the form of pus will become noticeable. This is usually white, yellow or yellow-green in color. As it dries, it will leave a crusty film on the eyelids.
How do you know if pink eye is viral or bacterial?
Color or tint of the whites of eye: Salmon (light pink) color may be a sign of a viral infection. A reddish color is more likely to be a bacterial conjunctivitis. If it’s in one or both eyes: If you have pink eye that’s in both eyes, a virus is probably causing it.
How long is pink eye contagious for?
Pinkeye that’s caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there’s discharge from the eye ‚Äî or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started. Conjunctivitis that’s caused by a virus is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain so as long as the symptoms last.
What happens if you ignore pink eye?
Left untreated, certain types of pink eye (the bacterial varieties) can lead to infections of the cornea, eyelids and even tear ducts.
What would happen if I didn’t treat pink eye?
Allergic conjunctivitis may improve with allergy treatments and avoiding your triggers. Most side effects related to pink eye are linked to bacterial conjunctivitis. Left untreated, the underlying bacterial infection may worsen and possibly cause: blood poisoning (septicemia)
How do you tell if you have pink eye or just an irritated eye?
Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s) Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids. Increased tear production. Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
What kills pink eye?
Eye drops that contain antihistamines for the eye or drops containing steroids, may be necessary in more severe cases. Antibiotic medicines work well to treat conjunctivitis caused by bacteria. These are most often given in the form of eye drops. Viral conjunctivitis will go away on its own without antibiotics.
Why did I get pink eye overnight?
It can appear suddenly or overnight. Pink eye is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. How do you get it? Pink eye is commonly acquired through contact with contaminated objects (i.e. pillow cases, towels, books, others’ make-up).
How do you stop pink eye from progressing?
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. This can worsen the condition or spread it to your other eye. Avoid sharing personal items, such as makeup, eye drops, towels, bedding, contact lenses and containers, and eyeglasses. Do not use the same eye products for your infected and non-infected eyes.
What does the first stage of pink eye look like?
Redness in one or both eyes. Itchiness in one or both eyes. A gritty feeling in one or both eyes. A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
Does pink eye show up suddenly?
Viral conjunctivitis often begins with fairly sudden onset of pain or the feeling of dust in the eye. Infection may begin in only one eye but often spreads to involve both.