What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?

The final and probably most common version of pink eye is allergic conjunctivitis. This is most common during the spring and fall.

Allergic conjunctivitis has a trademark itching component along with redness, irritation, and tearing. There are many types of prescription ocular drops to help get people through this rough time/season.

All three forms of conjunctivitis have similar properties and symptoms, but with careful testing and monitoring can be differentiated.

So the next time anyone in your family comes down with ‘pink eye’ make sure to get them to your family optometrist for the proper diagnosis and management.

What is Viral Conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by someone rubbing their eyes after having contact with someone or something associated with having the common cold or flu.

Hallmark signs of viral conjunctivitis include redness, inflammation, and a watery or clear discharge.

Supportive therapy with artificial tears and good ocular hygiene are the best and fastest ways to let viral ‘pink’ eye run its course.

What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

“Pink Eye” is one of the most common ocular conditions patients suffer from. “Pink Eye” or more formally know as conjunctivitis comes in three major forms- bacterial, viral and allergic.

Determining which specific type of conjunctivitis a patient has is essential to the proper management and treatment of the condition.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infectious condition usually associated with poor ocular hygiene. Whether it is a dirty contact lens or an unwashed hand, bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by getting something in your eyes.

Tell tale signs may include redness, matting of the eye lashes and ‘goopy’ discharge. This is an infectious condition and needs to be treated with an antibiotic.