Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis Care at Eye Care Specialists of Florida

pink eye Whether you call it by its medical term, conjunctivitis, or by its popular nickname, pinkeye, that telltale redness, itching and discharge can put a serious crimp in your quality of life. This inflammation of the membrane that covers the white of the eye can interfere with vision, lead to possible eye damage if untreated, and in some cases prove highly contagious. in short, conjunctivitis is a problem you need to deal with. Fortunately, you can get the soothing relief you need from our Kissimmee ophthalmologist at Eye Care Specialists of Florida, Dr. Choudhri.

The Irritating Problem of Pinkeye

Conjunctivitis is commonly called pinkeye due to the characteristic pink or reddish hue it creates in the normally-white part of the eye. The actual inflammation is occurring in a membrane called the conjunctiva, which lines the inner eyelid and the sclera of the eye. Conjunctivitis may also cause swelling of the eyelids, light sensitivity, a thin or thick discharge from the eye, itching or burning sensations. Some forms of the condition may clear up spontaneously within about 2 weeks, while others may linger. A nagging case of conjunctivitis can eventually lead to scarring or ulceration of the cornea, a problem which can cause visual impairment. This is one reason you want to ascertain the cause of your pinkeye and get it under control as soon as possible. Causes include:

  • Viral infections - Many viruses can enter one or (less commonly) both eyes, especially if you rub your eyes while suffering from a cold. Watery discharge is one of the hallmarks of this condition.
  • Bacterial infections - Bacterial infections, the most common cause of conjunctivitis in children, usually creates a thicker discharge than other forms of the condition. Poor hygiene involving eye makeup can cause bacterial conjunctivitis in adults.
  • Allergies - allergic conjunctivitis may correspond to seasonal triggers such as hay fever or recurring exposure to environmental irritants. It resembles viral conjunctivitis except for the fact that both eyes are always affected.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you or any member of your family is suffering from conjunctivitis, it's take to make an appointment at eye Care Specialists of Florida. Our ophthalmologist can examine your specific symptoms while also talking to you about your eye makeup routine, known allergies, or other symptoms that might point to a virus. Most cases of conjunctivitis respond well to soothing home remedies such as warm, moist towels on the eyes. Other treatments may vary according to the underlying cause. For allergic conjunctivitis, you may need to take antihistamines and avoid specific situations, while antibiotics are the treatment of choice for bacterial infections. Some viral conjunctivitis may respond to anti-viral drugs, while other simply has to run their course.

Call Our Florida Eye Doctor

Are you ready to say goodbye to that irritating conjunctivitis? Call Call (407) 483-0328 today for treatment from our Florida eye doctor!

Our Ophthalmologist in Kissimmee, FL Explains Pink Eye

Pink eye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, can be frightening to look at, but in most cases, it's more annoying than anything else. Anyone can contract pink eye: school children, preschoolers, daycare workers, or anyone else who comes in close contact with other human beings. At Eye Care Specialists of Florida, we treat conjunctivitis patients of all ages, from very young infants to older senior citizens.

4d

Types and Causes of Pink Eye

There are three basic types of conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common and is caused by a virus, just like a cold. It's extremely contagious, but it will clear up on its own after a few days with no medical treatment needed.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria and can be much more serious if left untreated.

Allergic conjunctivitis only happens to people allergic to certain things in the environment. It can be caused by pollen, animal dander, and dust, among other things. It can be constant or seasonal in nature.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Viral pink eye causes red, watery, itchy eyes. This highly contagious disease can be spread by coughing, sneezing, using the same towel or washcloth, or handling the same objects.

In bacterial pink eye, there is a thick yellow-green discharge from the eye. It can be thick enough to make the eyes stick together when the patient wakes up. It's generally spread only by touch.

If you have an allergic pink eye, you'll experience watery, stinging eyes, light sensitivity, and usually a stuffy or a runny nose.

Treatment for Pink Eye in Our Kissimmee Office

We treat all three types of pink eye frequently in our Kissimmee optometry office. For patients with viral pink eye, no medical treatment is actually needed. Our ophthalmologist recommends applying a cold, wet washcloth to the eyes several times a day to relieve the symptoms. This disease should clear up in about a week.

For patients with bacterial conjunctivitis, our doctor will prescribe antibiotic ointments or eye drops to cure the disease.

For cases of allergic conjunctivitis, we recommend over-the-counter allergy medications to shorten or stop the reaction. Some of these medications need to be begun before allergy season begins. Check with your general practitioner or allergist if severe symptoms continue.

Contact Our Kissimmee Optometry Office for More Information Today

If you're experiencing any symptoms of pink eye, it's important to come into our office to be examined. Without a proper medical exam, you won't know whether it's the milder viral form or the more serious bacterial form that needs medication. Give our office a call at (407) 483-0328 and we'll schedule you an appointment today.


Contact us to request an appointment today.

Our Location

Hours of Operation

Monday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed