Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment in Orlando, FL

The outer lining of your eyeball is called the conjunctiva. When this part of your eye becomes inflamed, it is known as conjunctivitis or pink eye. A healthy conjunctiva is white. When the conjunctiva is inflamed, your eyes can look pink or red.

Conjunctivitis can be due to allergies or can be contagious. The redness may appear in one or both eyes. Our board-certified pediatricians are highly trained in treating conjunctivitis. Contact our clinic today in Orlando, FL by calling us at (407) 704-6912.

What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

If you notice your eyes are red or if they start to feel scratchy, you may have conjunctivitis. You may wake up one morning with a crusty sensation around your eyelash. Symptoms of pink eye can be the result of an infection, and you may feel sick or have other virus-like symptoms.

Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

Discharge that can be watery, or thick and green
Burning eyes
Itching sensation
Irritation of eyes
Crusty eyelashes

If you have a young baby with discharge, it may be the result of a blocked tear duct and not conjunctivitis. Your doctor will help you know how to best diagnose and treat your infant.

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

If you have conjunctivitis, you may wonder what the underlying cause is. It is helpful to know conjunctivitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritation. The eye may look similar to you no matter what is causing the conjunctivitis. The root cause will help determine which time of treatment you need.

What is Viral Conjunctivitis?

The most common cause overall
Is more common in the adult population
Is more prevalent in summer
Very contagious
Often begins in one eye and then infects the other eye within a few days
Has to run its course

What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Responsible for the majority of cases in children
Observed more frequently from December through April
Can be spread easily, especially with certain bacteria and in certain settings
Children with conjunctivitis without fever or behavioral changes can usually continue going to school
Can be treated with antibiotics

What are the Other Causes of Conjunctivitis?

Allergies
Foreign bodies
Contact lens reaction
Chemical irritation
Inflammation inside the eye
Not contagious
May require eye drops

What is the Treatment for Conjunctivitis?

There are times when you need medical care and others when you can monitor symptoms on your own.

In most cases, conjunctivitis is usually viral. This means antibiotics won’t help and you may need to let the virus run its course. This can take up to two or three weeks. However, some doctors will prescribe antibiotic eye drops if the suspected infection is bacterial. If the conjunctivitis is due to an allergy, your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help control allergic reactions or inflammation.

In all cases, most providers will recommend the following treatment to help manage symptoms:

Cold or warm compress
Artificial tears
Cleaning eyelids with a clean, wet cloth
Avoid contact use or other irritants
Avoid or replace eye makeup

The majority of conjunctivitis patients are initially treated by primary care physicians. However, if your conjunctivitis is severe or if the outer lining of your eye is continually getting inflamed, you may need more advanced care.

When should I see Pediatrics of Greater Orlando about Conjunctivitis?

You can often start with a pediatrician or family doctor if you have any eye-related signs or symptoms that worry you. However, if your signs and symptoms persist or get worse despite treatment, Pediatrics of Greater Orlando may refer you to an eye doctor. An eye specialist is a great resource if you are worried about conjunctivitis and need peace of mind or another opinion.

You should see an eye specialist if you have conjunctivitis along with any of the following:

Pain in the eye(s)
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Vision issues that do not improve when discharge is wiped away
Intense redness
Symptoms getting worse instead of improving
A weakened immune system such as cancer treatment, HIV infection or other medical conditions
Newborns or very young children

Schedule a Consultation for Pink Eye in Orlando, FL Today

Pediatrics of Greater Orlando is specially trained to care for the eye and any infections that may worry you. If you believe you may have pink eye, contact our pediatric clinic in Orlando, FL to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians. Please give us a call at (407) 704-6912 today!