Pink Eye FAQs

Pink Eye Is No Fun, No Matter What form It Takes

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is known for its annoying, itchy, and painful nature, but it's really a group of eye disorders that can range from mild (and easy to handle) to severe (and not so easy to handle). The treatment for pink eye depends on the cause, and it's best to have the condition diagnosed quickly. Texas Eye Surgeons has locations in Greenville and Plano where you can see an eye doctor for a diagnosis.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye refers to a reddening or irritation of the eye and lids, along with the tear ducts.

What Are the Symptoms?

Pink eye symptoms include watering or the appearance of discharge along with the reddening or irritation of the lid. There may be stringy or green discharge, and you may experience itching. It can occur in one or both eyes.

What Causes Pink Eye?

The condition can be caused by allergies, bacterial and viral infections, tear duct blockages, dry eye, and even computer-caused eyestrain.

How Is It Treated?

To treat the condition, you have to treat the cause. For example, the bacterial pink eye requires antibiotics and good hygiene to treat. The viral pink eye requires time for your body to heal. For allergic conjunctivitis, allergy medicine and possibly eye drops are used to mediate the condition.

Pink eye due to dry eye and eye fatigue is frustrating to deal with. Although they are not contagious, they do not normally result in excessive discharge like bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. Managing the symptoms with rest and artificial tears are the primary ways to deal with this kind of pink eye. Getting computer glasses can help with fatigue-based conjunctivitis.

If You Can't Identify the Cause, See an Ophthalmologist Now

Sometimes the cause of the pink eye is easy to pinpoint, such as when you experience the irritation only after staring at the computer for a long time. However, if you can't figure out what caused it, or you have excessive discharge or redness, call Texas Eye Surgeons in Greenville or Plano at (972) 379-3937. Whether you've got pink eye, need a vision exam, or need to see a surgical eye doctor, we can help.