Pink Eye

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.

pink eye

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.

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Wednesday
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