Conjunctivitis / Pink eye treatment in Derry & surrounding area
Personalized Eye Care From a Professional Team
Spindel Eye Associates provides pink eye treatment to patients throughout Southern New Hampshire. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can come in various forms, including allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and viral conjunctivitis. No matter what type of conjunctivitis you’re suffering from, our team of eye doctors can help. With more than 36 years in practice, you can rely on Spindel Eye Associates for compassionate, high-quality eye care services, such as personalized pink eye treatment. We are dedicated to improving our valued patients’ vision and eye health.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye – also called conjunctivitis – is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeballs. Conjunctivitis gets the name “pink eye” because it causes the whites of the eye to take on a pink or red color. When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed or infected, they become more visible. Pink eye can be irritating, but it rarely affects vision. Treatment can help relieve any discomfort.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Most commonly, pink eye is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. But it can also be caused by an allergic reaction, an incompletely opened tear duct in babies, and more. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common causes of pink eye. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergens
- Chemicals
- Contact lens wear
- Foreign bodies in the eye
- A reaction to eye drops
- Indoor and outdoor air pollution
- Fungi, amoebas, and parasites
The Symptoms of Pink Eye
The symptoms of pink eye can vary based on the cause of the inflammation or infection. Most commonly, however, pink eye symptoms will include redness or swelling of the whites of the eye. Common symptoms of pink eye include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Swollen conjunctiva
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Irritation in one or both eyes
- Itchiness in one or both eyes
- Burning in one or both eyes
- Tearing in one or both eyes
- Discharge from one or both eyes
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
Safe & Effective Pink Eye Treatment
The treatment for pink eye depends on its cause. For example, if a virus causes the case of pink eye, antibiotics will not help, and the pink eye will need to run its course naturally. This can last anywhere from four to seven days. Because pink eye is contagious, it’s crucial to prevent its spread. If caused by the herpes virus, the pink eye may be treated with a prescription antiviral eye drops, ointment, or pills. If the cause of pink eye is bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed. Eye drops or ointments may also need to be applied to the inside of the inflamed or infected eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days. If an allergen causes the case of pink eye, the allergy will need to be treated, and the allergy trigger avoided. Antihistamines can be helpful in the meantime, however.
Contact Spindel Eye Associates Today
If you are suffering from any symptoms of pink eye, get in touch with Spindel Eye Associates as soon as possible. Pink eye is not only contagious, but it can be irritating and uncomfortable. We have physical locations throughout Southern New Hampshire, including Derry, Londonderry, Windham, and Raymond. To learn more about our treatment options or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.