It is estimated that 135 cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, a type of pinkeye, occur per 10,000 people in the United States each year. This represents about 1% of all primary care consultations.

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an eye condition that results in inflammation of the clear layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This condition can affect people of all ages and may be caused by various factors, such as infections, allergies, or contact lens overuse. If you think you have pinkeye, it's important to seek medical attention and follow the treatment plan recommended by our eye doctor to help clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading to others.

What are the most common symptoms of pink eye?

Pinkeye can affect one or both eyes, and may start in one eye before spreading to the other.

The most common symptoms of pinkeye are:

• Redness
• Itching
• Watering of the eyes
• Discharge from eyes
• Crusting around the lashes
• Swollen eyelids

If you are experiencing any of the above listed symptoms, it's important to call our eye doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may be a sign of pink eye, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, allergies, or contact lens overuse. Our eye doctor can provide an evaluation to determine the cause of your pink eye and recommend the appropriate treatment.

What can you do to prevent the spread of pink eye?

If you think you have pinkeye, it's important to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Here are some tips to follow:

• Assume that it's contagious, even if it may not be
• Avoid touching your eyes or rubbing them
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after touching your eyes
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or other personal items with others
• Keep your eye clean by gently washing away any discharge with a clean, damp cloth

When should you see an eye doctor immediately if you have pink eye?

If you are experiencing extreme vision loss or extreme pain, it is considered an emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately. In other cases, it's best to call the eye doctor's office and explain your symptoms. They will be able to assess how soon you need to be seen and provide further guidance.