How Can An Ophthalmologist Treat Conjunctivitis?
Posted on: 15 May 2020
Conjunctivitis is more commonly known as pink eye. It's an infection that can affect one or both eyes, and it's often highly contagious. Some people choose to wait out their pink eye at home, but it's wise to seek the advice of an ophthalmologist. Here are four things an ophthalmologist can do to treat your conjunctivitis during an appointment:
1. Determine the cause of your infection.
If you're experiencing pain or itching in your eyes, especially combined with unusual redness, you should see an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist can determine if you have conjunctivitis. They can also perform tests to determine the cause. In some cases, conjunctivitis can be caused by an allergic reaction that irritates the blood vessels in your eyes. In other cases, it may be caused by an abundance of bacteria or by a virus. The cause of your eye infection will determine what treatment is right for you.
2. Prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Viral conjunctivitis will not respond to antibiotics. However, bacterial conjunctivitis may not clear up on its own. If your eye infection is found to be bacterial in nature, your ophthalmologist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Antibiotics will help your body heal faster, which can protect your vision. Use your antibiotics every day as directed. Continue using your antibiotics until you run out or until your ophthalmologist tells you to stop.
3. Prescribe medication to make you more comfortable.
Your ophthalmologist can also prescribe medication to reduce the amount of discomfort you suffer until your eye heals. Steroidal eye drops can reduce inflammation caused by the infection. Moisturizing eye drops can be soothing as well. When people have conjunctivitis, they often have the sensation of sand or grit stuck in their eyes. It's important not to rub or scratch your eye during this time, and medicated eye drops can reduce the temptation.
4. Advise you on ways to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.
People with conjunctivitis can infect others if they aren't careful. You're even more likely to pass your eye infection on to people that you live with. Your ophthalmologist can give you instructions to keep your conjunctivitis contained. While you have an infection, your tears can pass it on, so you should be careful not to share towels, pillows, and linens with others. If possible, sleep in a separate room until your infection passes. Your ophthalmologist can give you more suggestions to minimize the spread of bacteria.
Contact a clinic like Idaho Eye and Laser Center to learn more.
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