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Discover Urgent Care for Pink Eye
Pink Eye Treatment
At AllCare, our dedicated healthcare professionals are well-versed in caring for patients experiencing conjunctivitis symptoms. From precise pink eye diagnosis to treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, we offer comprehensive care that prioritizes your well-being at every step of the journey.
What is Pink Eye
Our Approach to Pink Eye Treatment
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common condition that causes inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inside of the eyelids. Typically caused by a viral infection, pink eye can also be the result of bacteria, chemicals, or allergies. In babies, it can occur due to a tear duct that hasn’t completely opened.
While pink eye is irritating, it will rarely impact your vision. Early pink eye diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of your pink eye spreading to others, as it is sometimes contagious.
Common Pink Eye Symptoms
Pink eye typically begins with a gritty, itchy sensation and redness in your eye. Other pink eye symptoms include:
- Pink or red color in the white of the eye
- Swelling of the eyelids or thin layer that lines the white of the eye
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
- Watery, teary eyes
- Eye discharge (pus or mucus) that may be clear, yellow, white, or green
- Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable or do not stay in place on the eye
At AllCare, we know how important it is to resolve your pink eye quickly and help prevent any potential spread. That’s why we offer a comprehensive approach to pink eye treatment and can address all your pink eye questions and concerns. Through diagnoses to personalized treatment plans, AllCare is here to streamline your healthcare journey with primary and urgent care services in one convenient location.
Pink Eye Testing and Treatment
Eye Exam
In most cases, our physicians can diagnose pink eye simply by understanding your symptoms, your history and by performing a visual examination of your eye.
Lab Tests
If your pink eye has lasted more than two weeks, we may require additional pink eye tests, including an eye culture—a painless swab that collects a sample of discharge, which is then sent to the lab to determine if your pink eye is bacterial or viral.
Prescription Pink Eye Medications
Depending on the underlying cause of your pink eye, our physicians may prescribe antibiotic, antivirals, anti-inflammatory, or corticosteroid eye drops.
OTC Pink Eye Medications
In addition to prescription medications, we will offer advice on OTC medications to help relieve your symptoms, including antihistamines, artificial tears, and anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which can help relieve the discomfort of pink eye.
Education
Because most cases of pink eye resolve without medical intervention, we can offer advice on how to relieve your pink eye symptoms at home.
Urgent Care for Pink Eye
If you experience intense but not severe eye pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light, urgent care can provide a quick evaluation to rule out other serious conditions.
What are the Types of Pink Eye?
There are five main types of pink eye. Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have.
- Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. It’s often caused by a virus that can also cause the common cold and usually goes away without treatment. Viral conjunctivitis can be spread from hand-to-eye contact.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by several different types of bacteria. Viral pink eye is highly contagious and can spread for up to 48 hours after starting antibiotics. It’s also more common in children, especially shortly after birth.
- Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to an allergen, like pollen, pet dander, smoke, makeup, or chlorine. Allergic pink eye is not contagious but can cause a clear, watery discharge, mild redness, and sometimes severe itching.
- Toxic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammation of the eye. It is most common in patients who use multiple topical medications.
- Nonspecific conjunctivitis is not caused by a virus, bacteria, allergy, or toxicity. It most often occurs in people with a dry eye, someone whose eyes have been irritated after a chemical splash, or a person who has a foreign body, like dust or an eyelash in their eye. Most cases of nonspecific conjunctivitis resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours.
Online Doctor Visits and Telehealth Services
Experience the convenience of telehealth appointments at AllCare. Our telemedicine services are designed to provide you with seamless access to healthcare without the need to leave your home. Whether you need an online doctor’s appointment for immediate or primary care, AllCare’s got you covered. With our online telehealth services currently available to individuals located in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Georgia, you can connect with our experienced urgent and primary care physicians via secure video calls.
At AllCare, we are expanding our virtual healthcare access to all services previously offered in person. This includes:
- Online Primary Care
- Online Urgent Care
- Online Women’s Healthcare
- Online Men’s Healthcare
- Online COIVD-19 Treatment
- Online Behavioral Health
- And more!
Schedule a Pink Eye Appointment at AllCare
Getting diagnosed and treated for pink eye is as easy as scheduling an appointment at AllCare, but you can also see a doctor at our facilities on a walk-in urgent care visit if needed. Here are a few simple steps for getting conjunctivitis treatment:
- Schedule Your Appointment: Contact AllCare to schedule your pink eye treatment appointment and provide essential information about your symptoms and medical history.
- Visit AllCare: Follow our instructions for your visit and maintain physical distance, if directed to, to ensure a safe and comfortable experience during your pink eye treatment.
- Receive Your Treatment Plan: Our healthcare providers will evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include antibiotics, antivirals, antihistamines, pain relief medications, or other recommendations.
How to Get Rid of Pink Eye at Home?
People of all ages who are experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis can benefit from our pink eye treatment services. Many cases of pink eye resolve on their own, that’s why it’s important to know how you can get rid of pink eye at home. Here are some advice:
- Using cool or warm compresses to help with inflammation, redness, and itching.
- Avoiding contact lenses until advised by your doctor or until you no longer have symptoms
- Practicing good hygiene by washing your hands, clothes, and bedding frequently to help avoid reinfection.
- Avoiding wearing makeup and throwing out any makeup you may have used while infected with pink eye.
- Taking allergy medications as prescribed by your doctor if your pink eye is allergic in nature.
- Using a fresh towel every day.
- Not sharing anything that touches your eye.
- Not using redness-reducing drops, as they may make your infection worse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Eye
01 Is pink eye contagious?
Yes, viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. Viral pink eye, spread through contact with tears or discharge, is especially common in children and can easily pass to others through shared items or close contact. To reduce the risk, avoid rubbing your eyes and practice good hygiene, like frequent hand washing and using clean tissues or cloths for your eyes.
02 How to get pink eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces. Children are particularly vulnerable because of close interactions at school. Pink eye can also develop from allergens or irritants, but these forms are not contagious.
03 How long does pink eye last?
The pink eye duration depends on the cause. Viral pink eye may last anywhere from a few days to two weeks, while bacterial pink eye can improve in a few days with treatment, usually lasting up to a week. Allergic pink eye typically subsides as the allergen is removed or managed.
04 What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?
Allergic reactions, dry eyes, and blepharitis are often mistaken for pink eye because they cause similar redness and irritation. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine the correct treatment, as pink eye treatments vary depending on the underlying cause.
05 How can I prevent pink eye?
To reduce your risk of contracting or spreading pink eye:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water.
- Clean and store contact lenses as directed by your eye care provider.
- Avoid sharing makeup, towels, or other personal items.
- Replace eye makeup regularly and avoid using it if you have any symptoms of pink eye.
Good hygiene and careful habits around the eyes are essential in preventing the spread of this condition, especially if others in your household or workplace have symptoms.
STATES WHERE WE SERVE PRIMARY AND URGENT CARE
Pink Eye Treatment in Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
At AllCare, we’re proud to deliver exceptional primary and urgent care to residents across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Georgia. From bustling city centers to serene suburban neighborhoods, our clinics are strategically placed for your convenience and care. Experience top-tier pink eye treatment in your community with AllCare, where your health is our priority.
Prioritize your health today: schedule your Conjunctivitis Treatment appointment
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