If you've woken up with itchy red eyes, it could very well be the start of pink eye. Pink eye usually doesn't have any long-lasting effects, but the possibility of chronic corneal infections does exist. Therefore, it's important to get help from an eye doctor or ophthalmologist right away if you've been suffering from a bout of pink eye. At Eye Doctors of Arizona, we can help you get treatment for your pink eye and prevent it from leading to more serious complications. To do so, we'll set you up with the medication you need to treat your condition and prevent it from returning.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is an infection of the eye also known as conjunctivitis. There are many causes of conjunctivitis, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and allergies. These all carry different symptoms, but most of them include:
- • Red eyes
- • Itchy eyes
- • Sore eyes
- • Discharge from the eyes
- • Puffy swollen eyes
- • Excess tear production
It's important to treat pink eye as soon as possible, especially if it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. These types of infections are incredibly contagious and can spread from one to both eyes or spread to other members of your household, school, and other areas.
How Does an Ophthalmologist Treat Pink Eye?
Our ophthalmologist will ask about the symptoms of pink eye to determine its cause. For instance, we might ask about allergies that have triggered other symptoms or ask about exposure to other people with pink eye.
Once our eye doctor determines the reason behind your pink eye, we will then conduct an eye exam to determine if your pink eye has led to any other complications. We will recommend treatment options such as antibacterial eye drops, ointments that can be placed around the eye, and even anti-viral eye drops or oral medications. We will then conduct follow-up care to ensure your pink eye is being resolved. If you experience symptoms a week after initiating care, or your eyesight is getting worse, contact our eye doctor right away.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Ophthalmologist in Phoenix, AZ
At Eye Doctors of Arizona, we want all of our clients to see, feel better, and improve their overall quality of life. Call us today to set up an appointment and see how we can help your pink eye clear up.