Pink eye, also referred to as conjunctivitis, is a very common eye infection. There are several causes of pink eye, including bacteria and viruses, irritants, or allergens. The treatment for the infection depends on the underlying cause, which can be determined by a healthcare provider. One question you may have when it comes to pink eye is whether or not the infection can come back. This blog will strive to answer this question while also exploring pink eye symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.
For same-day pink eye treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Paramus. Our board-certified medical providers can examine your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment to help clear the infection. Simply walk into the clinic or check-in online to get started today.
What are the signs and symptoms of pink eye?
There are several symptoms associated with pink eye. Depending on what caused the infection, symptoms can vary from person to person. In most cases, conjunctivitis is characterized by a pink, watery and irritated eye. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it’s important to seek medical care to have your condition professionally diagnosed.
Common pink eye symptoms include:
- Swelling and/or redness of the eye
- Itching sensation in the eye
- Watery discharge from the eye
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Can pink eye come back?
In most cases, pink eye will resolve on its own within a week or two. However, if your infection is caused by bacteria, you may require specific treatment– like prescribed eyedrops– to treat your condition. It’s important to listen to your provider’s instructions for your individual treatment regimen and complete the full recommended course of medication. However, it’s not impossible for pink eye to come back.
Re-infection is possible, as pink eye is highly contagious and easily spreads. If you’ve used any eye products during your infection, like mascara, make sure to dispose of these products as the infection can live on surfaces that have been close to the eye.Additionally, pink eye can sometimes be caused by allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis can cause recurrent infection if you’re exposed to the allergen or irritant again. This could include pet dander or pollen.
How to treat pink eye and prevent it from returning
While pink eye can undoubtedly be an uncomfortable condition to deal with, there are treatment options to help you find relief from the symptoms. If your infection is bacterial, a healthcare provider will typically prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help clear it up. In the meantime, you can help relieve the pain at-home by using a warm compress over the affected area, avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup, and wash your hands frequently. Make sure to not touch your affected eye and then touch your other eye, as the infection can easily spread between the two.
The best way to prevent pink eye is to practice good hygiene and avoid contact with irritants. Remember to avoid sharing personal items and keep your surroundings clean. Always avoid touching your eyes as much as possible, as this can increase the risk of bacteria infecting the eyes. While we can take these precautions, pink eye can happen. If you have a suspected infection, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Paramus. We offer fast and reliable treatment options to help you feel better fast. If you have any additional questions about pink eye prevention or treatment, call us directly at (201) 262-2010.
