According to recent reports, Conjunctivitis cases are on the rise in Edmonton, Alberta. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as ‘pink eye,’ is a condition that affects the eyes. There are a few different things that can cause Conjunctivitis, and they have different symptoms and treatments. Conjunctivitis can be caused by Virus, Bacteria, Allergies, or a Chemical agent. Viral Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, and it is important to be aware of the symptoms so that you can seek medical treatment if necessary. Bacterial Conjunctivitis can be mildly contagious. Allergic and Chemical Conjunctivitis is not contagious. In this article, we will cover the causes and symptoms of Conjunctivitis. If you think that you may have Conjunctivitis, we recommend that you book an appointment at Louie Eyecare Centre.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is simply a finding that the eyes are red. It is a commonly misused term for the diagnosis of Conjunctivitis. The main symptom of pink eye is redness or swelling of the eyes with or without eyelid swelling. Other symptoms can include itching, discharge, and tearing. Pink eye can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants.
How is Pink Eye Spread?
Pink eye is most commonly spread through contact with contaminated hands, objects, or fluids. For example, if you touch your eyes after touching a surface that has been contaminated with pink eye-causing bacteria or viruses, there is a chance to develop pink eye yourself. Viral Conjunctivitis is more contagious than bacterial, and is more easily spread through touching of infected tissue. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by respiratory illness. Pink eye can also be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing towels or bedding. Good hygiene, frequent washing and isolation are ideal to help prevent spread.
Treatment for Pink Eye
If you think that you may have pink eye, we recommend booking an appointment at Louie Eyecare Centre so that our team can properly diagnose and treat your condition. Depending on the cause of your pink eye, treatment may vary. Viral Conjunctivitis actually has no treatment, other than to keep the eyes clean when crust or discharge develops. Cool compresses and regular non-medicated artificial tears can be helpful to soothe the eyes, but the viral infection will be taken care of by your natural immune system as there is no antiviral eye drop available for the eyes. Bacterial Conjunctivitis is treated by using antibiotic eye drops, and it is best to have these advised or prescribed from an eye doctor for best use for your specific infection. There can be many variables that would affect which eye drop to use and we try to prevent the overuse of antibiotics to reduce the chance of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Allergic Conjunctivitis is treated by removing the offending agent, as well as antihistamine eye drops or even steroid eye drops in more severe cases. Chemical Conjunctivitis is treated by cleaning the offending agent, and using artificial tears or steroid eye drops to help resolve and reduce inflammation while the eye heals.
Louie Eyecare Centre treats Conjunctivitis in Edmonton.
If you think that you may have pink eye, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that our team at Louie Eyecare Centre can properly diagnose and treat your condition. Most cases of pink eye will resolve on their own within one to two weeks, but we recommend that you seek medical treatment in order to heal faster and more effectively. Come and visit us at our eyecare clinic for more information. Louie Eyecare Centre is conveniently located on 124 Street in Edmonton.