Urgent Care for Pink Eye: When to Seek Help
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. It's characterized by redness, itching, and discharge in the eye. While most cases of pink eye are mild and can be treated at home, there are instances where urgent care is necessary.
When should you seek urgent care for pink eye?
1. Severe Symptoms:
- Intense pain: If your pink eye is accompanied by severe pain, it could be a sign of a more serious infection or a complication, like a corneal ulcer.
- Vision Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty seeing clearly can indicate a more serious condition.
- Pus-like Discharge: Thick, yellow or green discharge can be a sign of a bacterial infection.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes near your ears or neck may suggest a serious infection.
- Fever: Fever combined with pink eye can indicate a systemic infection.
2. Specific Circumstances:
- Contact lens wearers: Pink eye can be particularly serious for contact lens wearers. Contact lenses can trap bacteria and worsen the infection, leading to complications like keratitis.
- Newborns: Pink eye in newborns can be dangerous. If your newborn has pink eye, seek urgent care immediately.
- People with compromised immune systems: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from pink eye.
3. No Improvement with Home Treatment:
If you've been treating pink eye at home with over-the-counter remedies but your symptoms haven't improved after a few days, it's best to see a healthcare professional.
What to Expect at Urgent Care:
- Examination: The doctor will examine your eyes, ask about your symptoms, and take your medical history.
- Diagnosis: The doctor will determine the cause of your pink eye based on your symptoms and a physical examination.
- Treatment: Treatment will vary depending on the cause of your pink eye. For bacterial infections, antibiotics will be prescribed. Viral infections often resolve on their own, but antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
- Prevention: Your doctor will provide advice on how to prevent the spread of pink eye and how to care for your eyes.
Remember: Seeking urgent care when necessary can help prevent complications and ensure proper treatment for your pink eye.
