When to See an Ophthalmologist in West Boca for a Red or Pink Eye

Red eye, or pink eye, can be caused by a multitude of reasons, most of which are benign and easy to treat at home. But when does it become a serious condition that requires professional help?

The following looks at some of the common and less-common causes of red or pink eye and provides a guide as to the symptoms that would warrant seeking further advice.

All About Pink Eye (Red Eye) 

• What’s the difference between pink eye and red eye?
• Common causes of pink eye
• Less common causes of pink eye

What’s the difference between pink eye and red eye?

While both terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Red eye is a very general term used by laypeople. Pink eye is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the lining of the eyelid and over the eyeball. This can cause the eye to become pink or red, hence the terms.

Common causes of pink eye

Pink eye is a common condition, especially in children. As mentioned above, it’s the result of irritation and inflammation of the tissues that line the eye (known as conjunctiva). Pink eye can also be called conjunctivitis, which literally means an infection in the conjunctiva.

There are many different causes. Some of the most common are:

• Viruses: The common cold, COVID-19, etc.
• Allergens: Such as pollen (hay fever) or mold.
• Bacteria: There are many types of these, but some of the most common are Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Irritants: Smoke, contact lenses, cosmetics, chlorine in swimming pools...
• Foreign object: Something in the eye can cause irritation.

Less common causes of pink eye

Some less common causes of pink eye include:

STIs: Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.

Autoimmune conditions: There are many different types of these that can cause the immune system to overreact, causing inflammation and irritation to the conjunctiva.

Blocked tear ducts: While this can happen to adults, it can also be a rare cause in babies whose tear ducts become blocked or haven’t opened completely.

When to Seek Help for Pink Eye

• Get help if…

Get help if…

Most pink eye cases are mild. The body’s immune system kicks in and they go away within a few days. It’s important to know that pink eye from viruses and bacteria is extremely contagious. Other causes, such as allergies and irritants, aren’t transmittable to others.

It’s not always necessary to see an ophthalmologist for pink eye. However, if you or your child experience any of the following then you should seek help straight away.

• Eye pain
• Photosensitivity
• Blurred vision or decreased vision
• A large amount of discharge from the eye/s
• A feeling of something being stuck in the eye.
• Symptoms that aren’t getting better.

Most cases of pink eye aren’t serious and can be easily treated at home with over-the-counter eye drops and mild analgesia. You can also speak to a pharmacist at the drugstore for further advice. Cool compresses are also effective—just be sure not to share them with others to ensure no infection is transferred.

Worried About Pink Eye or Red Eye? Call the West Boca Eye Center Today

Whether you’re concerned about a pink eye that’s not getting better or it’s an emergency situation, the WBEC is your one-stop-shop for everything related to eye health. Pink eye is usually a fairly easily treated condition, but if it’s accompanied by any of the above-mentioned emergency symptoms then you need a clinic that’s able to provide any type of relevant care.

The expertise and academic-grade facilities on offer at the WBEC mean that whatever treatment is necessary—from routine medication and eye checks to urgent operations—you can rest assured of the highest level of ophthalmologic care.

Find out more at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/

Red eye, or pink eye, can be caused by a multitude of reasons, most of which are benign and easy to treat at home. But when does it become a serious condition that requires professional help?

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