Pink eye is more common than conjunctivitis, an eye infection in which the conjunctiva or the clear tissue lining the outer coating of one’s eye becomes inflamed. This part of the eye also appears red during the infection.

There is no fixed pattern for this eye infection. In some people, it can occur in one eye, spreading to the other if the person does not take protective measures. Secondly, pink eye is too contagious and can spread quite easily.

Many others can develop a pink eye in both their eyes as well. AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst provides diagnosis and treatment for pink eye. Patients never need an appointment to be seen for urgent care services. We provide all care on a walk-in basis.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

The most common symptoms of this eye infection include:

• Swelling in the eyelids
• Becoming increasingly sensitive to light
• Blurry vision
• Experiencing burning in the eyes
• Itchy eyes, especially if the problem is from allergies
• Gritty sensation in one or both eyes
• White or green discharge from the eye
• A crust forms over the eyelashes, resulting from a thick yellow discharge
• An increasingly tearing sensation
• Redness in the inner eyelid and white part of the eye

Causes and how it spreads

Some common causes include:

• Incomplete opening or blocking in the tear duct
• Foreign objects entering the eye
• Infections from sexual transmissions
• Contact with irritating substances
• Allergens entering the eye, like pollen or mold
• Common bacteria types causing conjunctivitis
• Viruses like the common cold or COVID etc. can cause pink eye

Pink eye spreads in the following ways:

• Using old, expired, or unclean eye makeup
• Sharing personal belongings that are infected
• Touching surfaces where bacteria and virus germs reside
• The virus may transfer through personal contact, hand-shaking, and touching

Treating Pink Eye

If bacteria are causing the pink eye, you may have to take antibiotics as per the doctor’s prescription. Such eye infections improve within a week. If the pink eye is due to viruses, you will not need medicines as those won’t work. One must let the pink eye run its course till it resolves on its own.

This will take up to fourteen days, during which one may use artificial tears and cold compresses for relief. When one develops this infection due to irritating substances, the best treatment is to rinse the eyes at intervals with a steady water stream. It is also important to avoid exposure to irritating substances.

Final Thoughts

Pink eye may occur due to various reasons, and in most cases, one does not require medications or extensive treatment plans. When the infection has run its course, it begins healing on its own, or else a doctor may prescribe a few medicines.