Treating Pink Eye at Redding Eyecare Center
Did you wake up this morning with one or both of your eyes looking a telltale pink or red color? If you have ever had pink eye before, you know exactly what this condition looks and feels like. Whether you have pink eye or you just suspect you might, we at Redding Eyecare Center in Redding, CA are here to bring you the answers and relief that you need to start feeling better today. Now, let’s take a moment to talk about pink eye.
Defining Pink Eye
When you have pink eye, the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball becomes inflamed or infected. When this happens, your small blood vessels become inflamed and the whites of your eyes become reddish or pink. Also known as conjunctivitis, symptoms of pink eye include having the following in one or both of your eyes:
- Gritty feeling
What Causes Pink Eye?
All of the following can cause you to get pink eye:
- Chemical splash in the eye
- Foreign Object
- Blocked tear duct in newborns
Most cases of pink eye are caused by a virus. Many times, they come hand in hand with a cold or a sore throat. You can also become infected by coming into contact with the liquid coming from someone’s eye who has a pink eye infection.
When caused by an allergy, pink eye can simply be brought on by a high pollen count. In the case of pink eye that is caused by allergies, it can be controlled with allergy eyedrops.
If your pink eye was caused by irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object, your symptoms may clear up on their own in a day or two. With that being said, if your redness was caused by a caustic chemical, you must see an optometry specialist as soon as possible, as situations like this can cause permanent eye damage.
Preventing Pink Eye
When it comes to preventing pink eye, doctors of optometry agree that practicing good hygiene is key. To prevent spreading pink eye to other members of your family, abide by the following recommendations.
- Avoid touching your eyes.
- Wash your hands as often as possible.
- Never share your towel or washcloths.
- Your pillowcases should be changed often.
- Your eye makeup such as mascara needs to be thrown away.
- Don’t share your eye makeup.
Having pink eye is rather common, and is nothing to be ashamed about. With that being said, pink eye needs to be treated by a doctor of optometry, as early as possible. If you suspect you or someone you love may have pink eye, there is no need to play guessing games or try home remedies. A trusted name in optometry, we at Redding Eyecare Center in Redding, CA are ready and waiting to diagnose you and provide you with immediate relief for your red, and irritated eyes.