Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Commonly known as “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is irritation or infection of the Conjunctiva, the clear membrane overlying the eyes. About 3 million cases of pinkeye each year occur in the United States. Pink eye is common and can spread easily by skin to skin contact and by touching a contaminated surface.
Types of Pink Eye
While allergic conjunctivitis is common with allergies and other environmental irritants, it’s typically not contagious, and is the more innocuous form of pink eye.
Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, affects both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish. It is highly contagious and common in young children. This form of pink eye requires treatment.
A third type of pink eye, viral, usually affects only one eye and causes excessive eye watering and a light discharge. It often occurs with the common cold and is contagious but not treatable. If you have this form of pink eye, it must simply run its course.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye symptoms include redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, increased tearing, and thick discharge that is typically yellow (bacterial) in color and that can crust over eyes, especially after sleep. Other atypical discharge, light sensitivity, burning eyes (allergies), and occasionally blurred vision are common symptoms.
Treating Pink Eye in Kansas City & Overland Park, KS
While conjunctivitis can sometimes be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it’s a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. Still, if you suspect pink eye, you should call our office for treatment at the first sign of infection so that you don’t spread it to others.