Pink eye care

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye. When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become irritated and swollen, they become more visible, making the whites of the eyes appear pink or reddish.

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies:

At Park Urgent Care, we offer comprehensive care for pink eye to ensure quick relief and prevent the spread of infection. Our services include:

Viral pink eye

This is the most common type and often follows a cold. It has no cure and usually goes away on its own within 1-3 weeks, though symptoms may worsen in the first 3-5 days. Antibiotic eyedrops are usually not necessary, but antiviral medications may be prescribed for viral conjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Bacterial pink eye

This type can sometimes improve in 2-5 days without treatment, but severe cases can take up to 3 weeks to clear up. Bacterial strains affect children more often than adults and are typically seen from December through April. If you see a doctor, they may prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops to help clear the infection faster and prevent spreading it to others.

Allergic pink eye

This occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.

Symptoms

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.
Tearing.
Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.

Treatment for pink eye (conjunctivitis) depends on the cause of the infection, and may include:

Antibiotics

For bacterial pink eye, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointment. Mild cases may improve on their own without antibiotics.

Antiviral medication

For more serious forms of pink eye, such as those caused by the herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication.

Allergy eye drops

For allergic conjunctivitis, a doctor may prescribe eye drops that contain antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, steroids, or anti-inflammatory drops.

Warm compresses

For both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, a warm compress can help relieve irritation and swelling.

To prevent spreading pink eye to others, you can wash your hands often and avoid sharing items like pillowcases, towels, or makeup. If your case is mild, you can try using a cold compress and over-the-counter eye drops to ease your symptoms at home.

PARK URGENT CARE

Pink eye care

Pink eye care

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies:

Symptoms

Treatment for pink eye (conjunctivitis) depends on the cause of the infection, and may include:

Antibiotics

Antiviral medication

Allergy eye drops

Warm compresses

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PARK URGENT CARE