What Is Conjunctivitis and How Is It Treated?

Conjunctivitis is a common eye disease that can affect one or both eyes. It involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, which refers to the transparent membrane that covers the inner part of your eyelids. Your expert optometrist from Six One Six Vision Center explains what you need to know about this condition:

Conjunctivitis Causes

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be classified based on what causes it. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria; viral conjunctivitis by the common cold virus; and allergic conjunctivitis by eye irritants such as chemicals, smoke and pollen.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

According to the eye care specialists at Six One Six Vision Center, an inflamed conjunctiva may cause a patient to have swollen, heavy eyelids and red eyes. Their eyes might also feel itchy, watery or gritty, particularly when they first wake up. Bacterial conjunctivitis in particular produces a greenish-yellow eye discharge. This discharge can be sticky enough to cause the eyelids to stick together when it dries.

Conjunctivitis Treatment and Management

Conjunctivitis management depends on its classification. Bacterial pink eye needs antibiotics, while viral pink eye may just need something to relieve its symptoms, like antibiotic eyedrops or ointments.  For allergic pink eye, your doctor might tell you to avoid contact with allergens and prescribe you something to deal with the inflammation and itchiness.

Your expert eye doctor from Six One Six Vision Center can help you with all of your eye health needs. We know how to treat and manage conjunctivitis and a wide range of other ocular diseases. We can also provide eye exams and prescribe high-quality eyeglasses and contact lenses. Call us at (208) 514-1858 to learn more about our services. We serve Boise, Eagle, and nearby areas in Idaho.