What is pink eye?

1
What is pink eye?

• DOC-AID Urgent Care

2

• Our eyes are the window to the world and connect
  us to our physical surroundings. They enable us
  with sight, which has been labeled as the most
  valuable of all the senses. Because our eyes are
  such vital organs, when they are affected by an
  infection, it can be cause for concern. The most
  common type of eye infection is pinkeye, also
  known as conjunctivitis. Pinkeye can be caused by
  a bacterial or viral infection, and can even be
  brought on by allergies.

3
What is pink eye?

• Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, happens when the
  conjunctiva is irritated by a viral or bacterial
  infection or an allergic reaction. A person with
  pink eye will have eyes that become red and
  swollen (inflamed), and sometimes they can
  discharge a sticky pus. Conjunctivitis can occur
  in one or both eyes. Some types of pink eye are
  very contagious (easily spread from person to
  person), such as pink eye caused by a bacterial
  or viral infection.
• Bacterial infections of pink eye can be treated
  with a course of antibiotics, which should start
  to clear the infection within the first few days.
  Viral infections of pink eye cannot be treated
  with antibiotics, but instead are typically given
  pain-relievers or antihistamines to ameliorate
  symptoms until the immune system clears the
  infection from the body.

4
When should I worry about pink eye?

• If you are experiencing the symptoms of pink eye
  along with any of the following, it may be
  recommended to visit a healthcare professional as
  soon as possible
• Pain in the eye(s)
• Sensitivity to light or blurred vision
• Intense redness in the eye(s)
• Symptoms that get worse or do not improve,
  including a suspected bacterial infection of pink
  eye that does not improve after 24 hours of
  antibiotic use
• A weakened immune system
• Newborns and infants with symptoms of pink eye
  should be seen by a doctor right away.

5
How long does pink eye last?

• Viral infections of pink eye typically clear up
  in one to two weeks without treatment and without
  any long-term consequences. However, in some
  cases, viral conjunctivitis can take longer than
  three weeks to clear up.
• Bacterial pink eye is caused by an infection with
  bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. The
  prescribed course of drugs should start clearing
  up the infection within 24 hours of the first
  dose, as long as they are taken as prescribed.
  Even if a person does not use antibiotics, mild
  bacterial pink eye often improves within 10 days.
  However, it does have the potential to develop
  into more serious symptoms, so treatment is often
  recommended.

6
Should I go to urgent care for pink eye?

• Yes, urgent care is a great place to receive
  treatment for pink eye! These specialized clinics
  are designed to handle pink eye and other common
  infections. They can provide quick, convenient
  and affordable care for those with urgent medical
  needs.

7
How contagious is pink eye in adults?

• Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both
  highly contagious, and adults may be contagious
  for up to two weeks after the first symptoms
  appear, however the contagious period may last as
  long as three to four weeks. Allergic
  conjunctivitis is not contagious and cannot be
  spread from person to person instead, it is
  caused by an allergic reaction, such as from
  pollen, pet dander, dust mites or even certain
  foods.
• If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of
  pink eye, come to Doc-Aid in Laredo, TX today.
  Our kind and compassionate professionals are
  experienced in treating pink eye and can help you
  feel better sooner. Call us today or book an
  appointment, or visit our clinic, we have
  convenient locations to serve you in Laredo, TX.
  Our office is open everyday of the week from
  1000 AM to 800 PM. We serve patients from
  Laredo TX, Ranchos Penitas West TX, Islitas TX,
  Botines TX, Nye TX, and Webb TX. Looking forward
  to serve you!