When should you seek medical attention for pink eye?
One of the common questions about pink eye is “is pink eye an emergency?”, many patients want to know if they can wait it out or need to schedule an emergency eye exam.
If you have pink eye you may be wondering if you can just wait it out or if you need to schedule an emergency eye exam immediately. While generally speaking pink eye is not an emergency, there are several situations in which you should seek medical attention for the pink eye as soon as possible:
If you have severe redness, swelling, or discharge that is not improving after a few days of home care.
If you have vision loss or extreme sensitivity to light.
If you have a compromised immune system, such as from cancer treatment or HIV/AIDS.
If you have diabetes or another chronic health condition that affects your eyes.
If you have pink eye in both eyes that is impacting your vision
If you have pink eye and are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, headache, or pain in the eye These may be signs of a more serious eye condition that requires immediate treatment.
What should you do if you have pink eye that is not in need of an emergency eye exam?
We always encourage you to call your optometrist before making a decision regarding the urgency to schedule an emergency eye exam. However as a general rule most cases of pink eye are not urgent, and do not require a trip to the emergency room (ER) or urgent care, however your eyes should be seen by your optometrist to reduce the possibility of any complications.
Symptoms of pink eye
Pink eye may cause the following symptoms:
Redness in the affected eye or eyes
Itching in the affected eye or eyes
Swelling of the affected eye or eyes
Discharge from the affected eye or eyes (can be clear, yellow, or green in color)
Sensitivity to light
Burning sensation in the affected eye or eyes
Blurred vision
Crusting of the eyelashes or eyelids
Swelling of the eyelids
The symptoms of pink eye may differ depending on the underlying cause. For instance, bacterial pink eye typically involves a thick, yellow, or green discharge, while allergic pink eye often involves itchy, watery eyes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment from our qualified optometrist. You can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.
Symptoms of pink eye
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pink eye is one of the most common eye infections in the United States, with an estimated 6 million cases occurring each year. While some people think that visiting the ER or urgent care is a good idea, it is actually an optometrist that has the most experience and equipment to help you diagnose and treat your pink eye. If you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye, don't wait at the ER or urgent care to get medical attention, schedule an emergency eye exam with your eye doctor.
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and discharge in the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. While the pink eye can be a minor inconvenience, it can also be a serious health problem if left untreated.
There are three main types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Each type requires a different treatment approach, so it is important to receive a proper diagnosis from our qualified eye doctor.
Different causes of pink eye
Pink eye is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with the eye discharge, as well as through the sharing of towels, pillows, and other personal items. Pink eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, allergies, and irritants such as smoke and chlorine.
How can I find an eye doctor for pink eye near me?
It is important to seek out a qualified and experienced eye doctor or optometrist if you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye. Our eye doctors can provide the necessary care and support to manage your eye health and maintain your vision. To find an eye doctor near you, you can search online for "eye doctor for pink eye near me" or "optometrist for pink eye near me", ask for recommendations from friends or family, or consult with your primary care doctor for a referral.
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Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.
