Pink Eye Treatment in Northport, NY

Pink eye is one of the most common eye infections. Many people get it each year. At Main Street Optometry in Northport, NY, we treat pink eye and other eye conditions. An optometrist on our optometry team is here to help.

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What Is Pink Eye? 

The technical name for pink eye is conjunctivitis. It is caused by inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eye lids.

The conjunctiva contains small blood vessels. Under normal conditions, these may be visible when you take a close look at the eye. Infection or inflammation causes the blood vessels to swell, making them easier to see. This causes the eye to appear red or pink, which is where the term pink eye comes from.

Symptoms

Most symptoms of pink eye are caused by inflammation. In addition to redness, you may experience itchiness or a gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye.  Discharge can also occur. This discharge can dry on the eye overnight, making it difficult to open in the morning. 

Causes

Many pink eye infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. The most common culprit is adenoviruses. These viruses cause the common cold and respiratory infections. 

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Avoid touching your eyes, and wash your hands often.   Along with pink eye, you may experience symptoms of the illness, like coughing or sneezing as well. The specific symptoms will vary based on the virus or bacteria you have.

Pink eye can also be caused by allergies. The body releases inflammatory compounds known as histamines when you come into contact with the allergen. This inflammation causes the eyes to become red, swollen, and very itchy. You may also experience watery eyes. Depending on the allergy, you may also have nasal or respiratory symptoms, like sneezing or asthma. 

Treatment 

Treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Artificial tear eyedrops and warm compresses can provide symptom relief. 

Viral pink eye may sometimes be treated with antivirals. Bacterial pink eye may be treated with antibiotic eye drops. 

Allergy pink eye is usually treated with allergy eye drops. An oral antihistamine may also be recommended.  

When to Visit an Optometrist

Mild cases of pink eye can be treated at home. However, a visit to an optometrist might still a good idea. We can offer treatment that reduces the symptoms of pink eye. 

If your symptoms don't improve, it may be a good idea to visit your eye doctor. If you are experiencing eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, you may need to visit an optometrist quickly. You may have a more serious condition, rather than pink eye. 

Get Pink Eye Treatment at Main Street Optometry

If you have pink eye, may be a good idea to visit an eye doctor. In addition to pink eye treatment, we at Main Street Optometry in Northport, NY, offer eyecare for other eye conditions as well. An optometrist on our optometry team is here to help. Call us at (631) 757-6190 for more information.

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Main Street Optometry

Monday:

9:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

9:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

9:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Saturday:

8:30 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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