When your eyes turn red, itchy, and watery, it can be scary. You might wonder, What’s wrong with my eyes? The most common culprit is pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. But pink eyes aren't the only eye infection out there. Understanding the science behind these infections can help you take better care of your eyes and know when to seek immediate care in Chicago. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about pink eye and other eye infections. You’ll learn what causes them, how to spot the symptoms, and when to visit urgent care for pink eye. Let’s dive in!
What Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?
Pink eye happens when the thin, clear layer covering the white part of your eye (the conjunctiva) gets inflamed. This inflammation makes your eye look pink or red. There are three main types of pink eye:
1. Viral Pink Eye
This is the most common type. It’s caused by viruses, like the ones that give you a cold. Viral pink eye spreads easily, especially in schools and workplaces.
2. Bacterial Pink Eye
Bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus cause this type. It often leads to thick yellow or green discharge from the eye.
3. Allergic Pink Eye
If you have allergies, your eyes might get red and itchy. Pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger this reaction.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
How do you know if you have pink eye? Look for these signs:
Redness in one or both eyes
Itchiness or burning feeling
Watery eyes or thick discharge
Swollen eyelids
Sensitivity to light
If these symptoms get worse, you should visit immediate care Chicago for quick treatment.
Other Common Eye Infections
Pink eye isn’t the only eye problem. Here are other infections you should know about:
Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is a painful red bump near the edge of your eyelid. It happens when oil glands get clogged and infected.
Blepharitis
This is inflammation of the eyelids, causing redness, itching, and flaky skin near the lashes.
Keratitis
An infection of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye). It can cause pain, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.
If you notice severe pain or vision changes, getting urgent care for the pink eye is a smart move.
How Do Eye Infections Spread?
Some eye infections spread easily. Here’s how:
Touching your eyes with dirty hands
Sharing towels or makeup with someone who’s infected
Not cleaning contact lenses properly
Being around sick people (for viral infections)
To avoid spreading infections, wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes.
When to See a Doctor
Most pink eye cases go away on their own. But you should see a doctor if:
Your symptoms last more than a week
You have severe pain or vision problems
There’s a lot of pus or thick discharge
Your eyes are extremely sensitive to light
If you’re in Chicago and need fast help, immediate care Chicago clinics can check your eyes and give the right treatment.
Treatment for Pink Eye and Eye Infections
The treatment depends on the cause:
Viral Pink Eye: Usually goes away in 7-10 days. Cold compresses and artificial tears help.
Bacterial Pink Eye: Doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Allergic Pink Eye: Antihistamine eye drops reduce itching and swelling.
For stubborn infections, visiting urgent care for pink eye ensures you get the right medicine fast.
How to Prevent Eye Infections
You can lower your risk by:
Washing hands before touching your eyes
Avoiding sharing eye makeup or towels
Cleaning contact lenses properly
Keeping your face clean, especially if you have allergies
FAQs About Pink Eye and Eye Infections
1. Is pink eye contagious?
Yes, viral and bacterial pink eye spread easily. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
2. Can I wear contact lenses with pink eye?
No. Contacts can make the infection worse. Wear glasses until your eyes heal.
3. How long does pink eye last?
Viral pink eye lasts 1-2 weeks. Bacterial pink eye improves in 2-5 days with antibiotics.
4. Can kids go to school with pink eyes?
No. Keep them home until symptoms improve to avoid spreading it.
5. When should I go to urgent care?
If you have severe pain, vision loss, or symptoms that don’t improve, visit immediate care Chicago right away.
Final Thoughts
Pink eye and other eye infections can be annoying, but most are easy to treat. Knowing the symptoms and causes helps you take action fast. If home care isn’t enough, don’t wait—visit urgent care for pink eye to get relief quickly.
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