Pink eye is a bacterial or viral infection that causes inflammation of the membrane of your eyes.  As they become inflamed, they can cause your eyes to appear pink or reddish.  While this will not affect your vision, it is uncomfortable and contagious.  If you are experiencing pink eye, our Doctors of Optometry, Dr. Ed Mills, and Dr. Christopher Mills in Mooresville can help.

Common Symptoms

There are several common symptoms of conjunctivitis.  These include:

• Redness of the eyes

• Itchiness or gritty feeling

• Nighttime discharge around the eyes

When to Visit the Optometrist

There are several conditions that can cause redness and pain in the eyes.  At the first sign, you need to visit the optometrist.  Also, if you normally wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them when the symptoms begin.

Causes:

Many times, red eye is caused by a virus or bacterial infection.  When you have a cold or respiratory infection, you may be at risk for developing pink eye.  It is important that if you wear contact lenses, remove them at any sign of a problem.  Improperly cleaned contact lenses can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis.  Whether it is bacterial or caused by a virus, conjunctivitis is extremely contagious.  Other causes can include allergies and irritation from a foreign object in the eye.

Treatment

Treatments will focus on relieving symptoms.  This can include warm compresses, using artificial tears and discontinuing using your contact lenses.  Talk with your optometrist about whether you need to replace your contact lens accessories or eye makeup to prevent reinfection.  In some cases, your doctor may recommend antibiotic eyedrops.  If your condition is viral, however, antibiotics will not help the situation.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

If your pink eye is caused by an allergic reaction, your physician may recommend eye drops that are designed for people with allergies.  This can include antihistamines, decongestants and steroids that can help control inflammation and irritation.

Call Our Mooresville Eye Doctors Today!

At our center in Mooresville, NC, Dr. Ed Mills, Dr. Christopher Mills and their team can help you if you develop pink eye.  We realize that it is an uncomfortable condition and will work to relieve the symptoms that you experience.  As there are several causes of conjunctivitis, it is important that you see an optometrist to determine the cause and get treatment.  While most cases of pink eye are not serious, there are some situations that require professional treatment.  Do not risk your eyesight, visit us today for the care that you need.