Pink Eye Specialist

Las Vegas Family Medicine Our Services Pink Eye

Las Vegas Family Medicine

Family Medicine located in Las Vegas, NV

In the US, around 3 million cases of pinkeye occur each year according to the National Eye Institute. At Las Vegas Family Medicine in Las Vegas, Rulon Owen, DO, is a highly trained physician with experience treating pinkeye and improving eye health with the latest advanced safe and effective treatment methods. If you’re dealing with pinkeye, call Las Vegas Family Medicine or click to book here on the web.

Pink Eye Q & A

What is pinkeye?

Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is an eye condition involving an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball.

Small blood vessels in this membrane can get inflamed and become more prominent. This causes the whites of your eyes to appear more pink or reddish.

Pinkeye typically occurs due to an allergic reaction or a bacterial or viral infection. Pinkeye in infants can be caused by a tear duct that isn’t completely open.

What are the symptoms of pinkeye?

Aside from the pink or red color of the eyes, other symptoms of pinkeye include swelling, itching, and excess tearing. You might also have a discharge that forms a crust and prevents you from being able to fully open your eyes when you wake up.

It’s important to be aware that there are some serious eye conditions that cause eye redness. If you also experience symptoms like eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, it’s best to visit Las Vegas Family Medicine as soon as you can. Stop wearing contact lenses and makeup until your pinkeye symptoms have resolved.

What causes pinkeye?

Several factors can cause pinkeye, including:

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Allergies
  • Irritation or chemical splash in your eye
  • A foreign object in your eye
  • A blocked tear duct (in newborns)

Contagious forms of pinkeye can spread through direct or indirect contact with liquid that drains from an infected eye.

To prevent pinkeye, you should maintain good eye health and practice good hygiene.

How is pinkeye treated?

Pinkeye is irritating but it doesn’t usually affect your vision. There are effective treatments available to ease your discomfort, such as:

  • Artificial tears and eye drops
  • Using a wet cloth to clean your eyelids
  • Applying warm or cold compresses
  • Antiviral medications
  • Prescription allergy eye drops
  • Antihistamines
  • Mast cell stabilizers
  • Steroids, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory medications

Antibiotic eye drops can help in some circumstances.

Visit Las Vegas Family Medicine for prompt treatment for pinkeye and call or click to book online today.

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