How to Handle Pink Eye

Pink eye is a general name for conjunctivitis. This condition results in red, itchy eyes, often with lots of discharge. The underlying cause of conjunctivitis can be viral, bacterial, or irritant-based, but many people think of the viral or bacterial types when they hear the term. Once you have pink eye, you have to know how to handle it to avoid re-infecting yourself or spreading the infection to others. If you have questions, our optometrist at Sites Vision Clinic in Clarksville, TN, can answer them.

Stop Touching Your Face and Start Washing Your Hands

Eyes can become red and itchy for a number of reasons, and even discharge is common with several conditions, too. However, the redness and discharge from pink eye is often much more severe. Once you notice that you're having a problem, likely one morning when you wake up and find it's harder to open your eyes because of dried discharge, you need to stop randomly touching your eyes and face.

If you make a mistake and do touch them, wash your hands with soap and water immediately. If you have to remove discharge, wear gloves if possible, and again, wash your hands with soap and water after. Both viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious.

Change Your Pillowcases Daily

Your eyes will touch your pillowcase every time you go to sleep, and you can end up re-infecting yourself if your pillow cases are not changed or cleaned. Change your pillowcases daily and wash them in hot water to kill germs.

Get Professional Help and Use Medicines Correctly

Viral conjunctivitis has to resolve on its own, but bacterial pink eye needs intervention as soon as possible. If the condition does not start to get better after a couple of days, if it gets worse, or if you have trouble seeing at any point, contact an optometrist. If you're prescribed medication, take it correctly.

Don't Mess with Pink Eye

Sites Vision Clinic in Clarksville, TN, offers optometry services and appointments for issues like pink eye. Contact us at (931) 614-0028 to meet with our optometrist.