Pink eye is an irritation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that lines the eyeball and eyelid. This membrane is transparent and when it becomes irritated, inflamed, or infected, it makes the eye look pink, which is where it gets its name. If you're in the Houston, TX, area and experiencing symptoms of pink eye, seeing an eye doctor on our ophthalmology team at Eye Wellness Center is the right choice.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Pink eye has a number of causes, it can come from eye allergies, or an eye infection that's either viral or bacteria. Additionally, it can come from an eye injury, if a foreign body gets into the eye and causes irritation. It can be important for an eye doctor on our team to determine what's causing your pink eye, because there are different treatments for the condition depending on what started the problem.
What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?
One of the most common symptoms is that your eye will look pink or red. You'll also likely have a lot of tears, as your tear ducts try to flush away the irritant. Along with those symptoms, you'll want to look for white, yellow, or green discharge from the eye, and crusting along the eyelid. Many cases of pink eye are also itchy, but it's important that you avoid rubbing your eyes and making the problem worse. Depending on the source of your pink eye, it can also be very contagious.
How Is Pink Eye Treated?
Treatment for pink eye depends on what's causing it. Optometry has come a long way, and your eye doctor can usually determine whether it's eye allergies, an eye injury, or an actual bacterial or viral eye infection that's causing the issue. In some cases, they may use a swab around your eye and send it to a lab to discover the cause. If it's a bacterial cause, you'll need antibiotics. Other causes may need comfort care like warm washcloths to reduce the discomfort until it clears up on its own. There are rarely any complications with pink eye, but it's still very important to get it treated.
Get Eye Allergies, Eye Infection, and Eye Injury from an Ophthalmologist on Our Eye Doctor Team
If you're in the Houston, TX, area, Eye Wellness Center can help you get the pink eye treatment and other optometry help you need today. By working with an “ophthalmologist near me” you can start feeling better fast, avoid spreading pink eye to others, and reduce any risk of vision problems due to an untreated infection. Call us at (713) 942-2187 for more information from our ophthalmology team.