Should You Go to Urgent Care for Pink Eye?

Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye” because it can cause the white of the eye to turn pink or red, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions, doctors say. It occurs when the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye, becomes swollen or inflamed.

The most widespread form of conjunctivitis results from the same viruses that cause the common cold. And as your doctor will tell you, just as a cold must run its course, so too must viral conjunctivitis in most cases.

“If you think you have pink eye, it’s a good idea to see a physician for an evaluation,” says Tala Karnani, MPAS, PA-C, a Physician Assistant with Baptist Health Urgent Care Express. “A proper diagnosis will prompt people to take precautions to stop the spread from person to person.”

Are There Different Types of Pink Eye?

Viral pink eye is usually bilateral, says Ms. Karnani, meaning it affects both eyes. Viruses aren’t the only cause of pink eye, however. Irritants and allergens also can trigger the condition but it is not contagious in these cases.

Bacterial pink eye, like viral pink eye, is highly contagious. It can be triggered by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and strains associated with gonorrhea or chlamydia, Ms. Karnani says. “If left untreated, bacterial pink eye can have a higher risk of complications, including scarring of your cornea.”

Antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointment are typically prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, according to Ms. Karnani. “People should seek urgent care if they have pink eye that’s associated with eyeball pain, blurred vision or a pre-existing eye condition that may put them at risk for complications or severe infection.”

What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

Its name is the most visible symptom of pink eye, whose symptoms usually include:

• Pink or red color in the white of the eye from visible blood vessels
• Swelling of the eyelids or thin layer that lines the white of the eye
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
• Watery, teary eyes
• Eye discharge (pus or mucus) that may be clear, yellow, white, or green
• Itching, irritation, burning of the eye
• Feeling like something is in the eye or an urge to rub the eye
• Contact lenses feel uncomfortable or do not stay in place on the eye
• Depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur

If you wear contact lenses, you should stop using them as soon as any of these suspicious signs begin, Ms. Karnani advises, adding that you should “never use tap water to clean contact lenses as this can cause a pseudomonas infection.”

Avoiding the use of eye makeup may relieve symptoms and promote healing, says Ms. Karnani. She also recommends consulting a doctor before using over-the-counter eye drops to treat pink eye because they may worsen the condition or cause a painful condition called chemical conjunctivitis.

How Can You Keep From Getting Pink Eye?

To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading pink eye, Ms. Karnani advises following these simple self-care steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Avoid sharing eye and face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses and containers, eyeglasses, washcloths, towels and pillowcases
• Clean contact lenses and containers properly
• Stay home from daycare, school or work until your viral or bacterial pink eye has cleared

Tala Karnani,MPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant with Baptist Health Urgent Care Express

“Conjunctivitis that is contagious spreads easily among children because they often do not take the proper precautions,” Ms. Karnani explains. “In a daycare or school setting, children share everything – including pink eye.”

If you have an illness or injury that needs immediate attention, there is a Baptist Health Urgent Care or Urgent Care Express location ready and waiting to provide the high-quality, compassionate care Baptist Health is known for. To find a location near you, visit BaptistHealth.net/GetCareNow.