Vision Source Castle Hills Discusses Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye. The clear thin tissue that covers the white of your eye and lines the inside of your eye is called the conjunctiva. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, it causes conjunctivitis. Many people confuse conjunctivitis with other issues such as a virus, bacteria, irritants, allergic reactions, and fungi or parasites.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of this condition depend on the cause of the inflammation. However; there are many symptoms associated with this condition. These symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes
- Burning eyes
- Redness in the white of the eye or on the inner lid
- Watery eyes
- Green or white discharge from the eyes
- Thick yellow discharge that occurs while you sleep, resulting in your eyelids being stuck closed when you wake up
- Light sensitivity
How is Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?
Since many of the symptoms associated with conjunctivitis are also symptoms of other conditions, you should make an appointment with your optometrist to have the disease diagnosed. Your eye doctor will perform an exam to determine whether or not your conjunctiva is inflamed. They will also use a cotton swab to take a sample of the fluid from your eyelid. When tested, your doctor will determine whether or not your condition is due to bacteria or a virus.
How Is Conjunctivitis Treated?
The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. If your case is due to a virus such as the common cold, your eye doctor might just tell you to let it run its course. If your case is caused by bacteria, your eye doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops, ointments, or pills.
Contact Our Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio, TX!
Since conjunctivitis can be very contagious, it is essential that you begin treatment right away. If you are suffering from the symptoms of conjunctivitis, you should make an appointment with Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio. Our doctors of optometry can perform an eyecare exam to determine the best treatment for your particular case. The sooner our optometrists create a treatment plan, the sooner you will start to feel better. Also, you won't need to worry about spreading the disease to the people around you.