Pink Eye 101: What It Is, How to Spot It, and How to Stop It

Is your eye red, itchy, and oozing? Did you wake up with crusty eyelids that make it hard to open your eyes? You might be dealing with conjunctivitis—commonly known as pink eye.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of your eye and the inner eyelids. When inflamed, this layer causes your eye to appear pink or red.

Causes of Pink Eye

Pink eye can result from various factors.

• Viral infections: Often linked to colds or respiratory infections, viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and usually clears up on its own
• Bacterial infections: This type can produce more pus and mucus, requiring antibiotic treatment
• Allergies: Pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can trigger allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious
• Irritants: Exposure to chemicals, smoke, or foreign objects can cause irritation, leading to pink eye
• Contact lenses: Improper use or cleaning of contact lenses can lead to conjunctivitis

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Redness in one or both eye
• Itchy or burning sensation
• Watery or thick discharge
• Swollen eyelid
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes, primarily upon waking
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause

• Viral conjunctivitis: Usually resolves without treatment; cool compresses and artificial tears can alleviate symptoms
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Often treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Managed with antihistamines and avoiding allergens

Preventing the Spread

To prevent pink eye or stop its spread:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eye
• Don’t share personal items like towels or cosmetic
• Clean and replace contact lenses as directed
• Disinfect surfaces regularly

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe pain in the eye
• Vision loss or blurriness
• Intense redness
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve
• Sensitivity to light

Remember, while pink eye is common and often mild, proper hygiene and timely treatment can prevent complications and stop its spread.

Do you think you or your child might have pink eye? Don’t wait it out—our team at The Urgent Care is here to help diagnose and treat it quickly so you can get back to feeling your best.

Whether it’s viral, bacterial, or allergy-related, we’ll help identify the cause and provide the right treatment plan. Walk-ins are welcome, and we also offer Virtual Visits daily for added convenience.

Let us take the irritation out of pink eye—stop in or book your visit online today!

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical concerns.