Pink Eye

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Care at Eyes Over Copley

Pink may be a flattering color for some fashions, but there's nothing good to be said for the uncomfortable condition popularly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is not only a cause of discomfort; it can also interfere with your vision or even threaten the health and safety of the eye's cornea. Whether your conjunctivitis stems from environmental triggers, injury or illness, you'll want to seek the appropriate care right away -- and we can provide that care here at Eyes Over Copley.

pink eye treatment from our optometrist in boston, MA

The Problem of Pink Eye

The most obvious symptom of pink eye is the pinkish coloring it lends to the white of the eye. This is due to the inflammation of a normally-clear membrane called the conjunctiva which lines the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. But discoloration isn't the only problem associated with this condition. Other common symptoms include either eye watering or a thick mucous discharge, accompanied by eyelid swelling, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. A persistent, untreated case of conjunctivitis can put the cornea at risk for sight-threatening damage such as scarring.

Pinkeye can be brought on by a variety of irritants, from a poke in the eye to ill-fitting contact lenses. But the three most common categories include:

  • Viral conjunctivitis - Many different viruses, including the same types that cause colds and flu, can find their way to the eye, producing a form of conjunctivitis characterized by a thin, watery discharge. 
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis - Bacteria can get in the eye through dirty makeup applicators, poor contact lens hygiene, or simply rubbing the eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually produces a thick discharge instead of a watery one.
  • Allergic or fungal conjunctivitis - Fungi, pollen, and other environmental irritants produce symptoms much like those of viral conjunctivitis, except that the symptoms will come and go with exposure to the allergen, as in seasonal hay fever.

How Our Optometrist Diagnoses and Treats Conjunctivitis

Our Boston optometrist, Dr. Fox, can discover the underlying cause of your conjunctivitis and provide remedies to soothe your symptoms and protect your eyes from harm. We will discuss your medical history, any allergic reactions or recent illnesses you've experienced, your eye makeup and/or contact lens usage, and other potential factors in your condition. From there, we can prescribe treatment methods such as:

  • Anti-viral drugs or antibiotics to shorten infections
  • Medicated eye drops or artificial tears to soothe and protect the eye
  • Treatment for injuries or other external irritants
  • Antihistamines and lifestyle changes to relieve allergy symptoms
  • Changes to your eye makeup or contact lens cleaning regimen
  • Switching you to a different type of contact lenses

Call Eyes Over Copley Today!

Don't let conjunctivitis make you miserable and pose risks to your ocular well-being. Call Eyes Over Copley at (617) 859-0630 to schedule evaluation and treatment. We can help restore your eyes to the "pink" of health!

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Monday
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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