Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the eye's white part and lines the eyelids' inner surface. It is called "pink eye" because the inflammation often causes the affected eye(s) to appear pink or red.
Pink eye can spread quickly, usually by contact. Once it sets in, the eye infection triggers various issues, from irritation to discharge and swelling. While pink eye won’t cause a child to go blind, it’s uncomfortable, especially in how fast it can spread to others. Bay Optical in Glens Falls, Saratoga, Greenwich, and Warrensburg, NY, can help with the symptoms and prescribe necessary medications.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis spreads through contact surfaces like counters, desks, toys, or playground equipment. It’s not limited to set ages and can develop quickly. The conjunctiva becomes inflamed when the infection sets in. This infection is seen in the eye's white area and spreads to the inside eyelids.
The visible effects of the condition can seem alarming, but in terms of actual problems, conjunctivitis is considered a minor annoyance. Mild cases are usually resolved independently, but most patients can benefit from an eye doctor’s review and prescription to stop the eye infection from spreading.
Concerns with Pink Eye
The most problematic version of conjunctivitis involves when it occurs in newborns and babies. This condition typically occurs during birth, with the bacteria passed from the mother to the child. Normally, eye drops are applied after delivery to a baby to prevent potential bacteria from settling in, but cases have occurred where pink eye developed regardless.
Diagnosis and Pink Eye Treatment
While the symptoms of pink eye are fairly obvious, our optometrist can confirm the infection with a basic evaluation and eye exam. A clear, detailed video exam is also possible, which may require getting up close to the camera, which can focus on detail. Phone cameras are high enough quality for this purpose.
Typical pink eye treatment after evaluation can include prescription eye drops, cold compresses to reduce swelling effects, and clean practices around what is touched to prevent reinfection. We can clean out the eyelid area in serious cases to reduce serious pain or discomfort.
Optometry Help for Pink Eye in the Greater New York Area
If your child is struggling with a tough case of pink eye, our team at Bay Optical can help. We can provide relief that helps stop the irritation and break the infection cycle that can spread conjunctivitis to others. We regularly treat patients from Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs/Wilton and the surrounding areas. Call us at Glens Falls (518) 792-4140 or Saratoga Springs/Wilton (518) 587-2020 to set up an appointment!