Pink Eye - Conjunctivitis Treatment
When to see a Specialist for Pink Eye Conjunctivitis Treatment in Mumbai
We’ve all had irritated, red, watery eyes at some point. But how do you know when it’s more than just eye strain or allergies? As a Senior eye surgeon in Mumbai, we often get asked about pink eye symptoms and when it’s time to come in and get checked out.
In this article, let’s see the most common pink eye symptoms, the different types of pink eye, and when you should see an eye doctor for conjunctivitis treatment.
What is Pink Eye?
The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva tissue that lines your eyelids and covers your eyeballs. This delicate membrane becomes swollen and irritated, causing bothersome symptoms. Pink eye has numerous causes and can affect one or both eyes.
The Most Common Pink Eye Symptoms Pink eye symptoms can vary slightly depending on the cause. But here are the most universally seen indicators:
- Redness in the white of the eye(s)
- Itchiness and burning feeling in eye(s)
- Gritty sensation, like something is in your eye(s)
- Excessive tearing
- Thick yellow/green discharge that crusts overnight
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
In rare cases you may also experience impaired vision, though mild pink eye usually does not affect eyesight drastically.
Types of Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis – Brought on by the same viruses associated with colds and respiratory infections. Highly contagious.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis– Caused by bacteria. Also spreads easily to others.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis – An allergic reaction to irritants like pollen, animal dander, cosmetics, or other substances. Not contagious.
- Chemical/Irritant Conjunctivitis – Direct irritation of the eye from foreign substances like chlorine, cosmetics, smog and smoke. Not contagious.
When to See Your Eye Doctor: Pink Eye Treatment
Mild cases of pink eye may clear up on their own. But it’s always a good idea to visit your eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate pink eye treatment when safe home remedies don’t fix the issue in a few days.
More urgent reasons to go in for conjunctivitis treatment include:
- Vision impairment
- Moderate to severe eye pain
- Intense redness, sensitivity
- Discharge doesn’t clear with gentle cleaning
- Symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 week
- You wear contact lenses
Seek emergency care for severe pain, extreme sensitivity, and sudden loss of vision along with pink eye.
Please note you should isolate yourself when showing pink eye symptoms to avoid transmitting to others. Stay home, don’t share towels/pillows, and don’t wear contacts or eye cosmetics.
Preventing Pink Eye
While pink eye is highly contagious, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the infection:
- Frequent Handwashing: Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching your eyes or face.
- Avoid Touching Eyes: Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes, as this can introduce bacteria or viruses.
- Personal Items: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, pillows, or eye makeup to prevent the spread of infection.
- Stay Home: If you have pink eye, it’s advisable to stay home until the symptoms improve to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Precautions and Consultation with Ophthalmologist
Eye Exam and Conjunctivitis Treatment During your appointment, we will perform a thorough eye exam and assess your pink eye. We may use a special dye to detect damage to eye surfaces. Based on the findings, we can prescribe the appropriate conjunctivitis treatment to start easing your discomfort.
Bacterial and some viral pink eye requires prescription antibiotic eye drops/ointments.
Avoid wearing contacts until it clears up.
In some circumstances, additional medications or procedures may be warranted to ease inflammation, discomfort and vision troubles.
Don’t Wait with Pink Eye Discomfort
If you’re suffering from irritated, red, painful eyes for more than a day or two, call the nearest eye care clinic or if you are in Mumbai Suburban Book Appointment with Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic.
Schedule a pink eye evaluation so we can diagnose the cause and suggest the proper treatments to start you on the path to relief. Catching and treating conjunctivitis early on leads to better outcomes with less risk of complications from uncontrolled spread of infection and inflammation.
We also provide specialized treatment for chronic pink eye issues related to seasonal eye allergies, recurring styes, blepharitis and dry eyes.
Book Appointment with Eye Specialist in Mumbai - Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic
Contact Senior Eye Surgeon in Mumbai – Dr Anurag S. Agarwal. Dr Anurag Agarwal is available at 4 Hospitals in Mumbai Suburban.
- Apex Hospital – Borivali West
- Criticare Asia- Malad West
- Jain Hospital – Goregaon West
- Shree Sai Clinic – Goregaon West
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Book an Appointment for an eye checkup near the Mumbai clinic.
Eye Specialist in Mumbai
Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic
- Jain Hospital - Goregaon
- Apex Hospital - Borivali
- Criticare Asia - Malad
- Shree Sai Clinic - Goregaon