12
Oct

When an eye is itchy and red, most people assume that it is a pink eye infection. While this eye disease is quite common, there are also other health conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Before you jump to conclusions, it is important that you learn more about pink eye. Then, you can talk with your eye doctor to find the best treatments for your discomfort.

Commonly Asked Questions about Pink Eye

These are a few of the most common questions we hear about pinkeye:

• What is Pink Eye? This eye condition causes inflammation in the white part of the eye and the tissue inside the eyelid. Because of the inflammation, the eye turns pink or red as the blood vessels become visible.
• What are the Common Symptoms of Pink Eye? Symptoms usually include redness, swelling, pain, itching, increased tear production, bright light sensitivity, or feeling like something is in the eye. There is often discharge that comes out of the eye, causing the eyelids to be “glued shut” at night.
• What Causes Pink Eye? There are multiple causes of pink eye. Most of the time, this condition is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In other cases, it might be caused by an allergic reaction or an irritant within the eye.
• How Contagious is Pink Eye? Many pink eye cases are caused by a viral infection, which is very contagious. If you touch your eye and then touch another person, it is possible that the infection could be spread. Pink eye can even be passed by touching an object that an infected person touched.

What is the Best Treatment for Pink Eye?

If you have pink eye, then it is essential that you are proactive to keep your hands clean. Avoid touching your eyes, and always make sure to thoroughly wash your hands immediately after touching any area near the eye. These practices reduce the likelihood that the infection will be passed to other people.

Also, it is best to talk with an experienced eye doctor about the right treatment solution. Treatments vary depending on the cause of the infection. An optometrist can examine the eye and make recommendations about the right way for you to overcome the problem.

For more information, call our Temecula office at (951) 302-1331 or our Murrieta office at (951) 600-9226.