Causes and symptoms of pink eye

Are you suffering from pink eye? Pink eye is the term for a very common eye problem which is easily treated and with a few precautions, can often be avoided. According to eye doctors in Phoenix AZ, anyone can get pink eye, but preschoolers, school and college students, teachers and daycare workers are at a greater risk for getting pink eye as they work closely with others in the classroom.

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin clear covering of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Though it is transparent, it contains blood vessels that cover the sclera of the eye. You can have pink eyes for various reasons but many eye doctors in Phoenix AZ use the term pink eye for viral conjunctivitis, a highly contagious infection caused by a variety of viruses.

The basic types of conjunctivitis based on causes are as follows:

Viral conjunctivitis – It is caused by a virus, just like a common cold. This type is very contagious but will clear by its own within several days without any medical treatment.

Bacterial conjunctivitis – It is caused by bacteria. It can cause serious damage if left untreated.

Allergic conjunctivitis – It is caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust, and animal danger.

Symptoms of pink eye

The main symptom of pink eye is an eye that has a pink appearance. The other symptoms may vary depending upon the type of conjunctivitis you have. If you have viral one, you will have itchy and watery eyes and sensitivity to light. On the other hands, if you have bacterial conjunctivitis, you will have sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow discharge in the corner of the eye. And if you are suffering from allergic pink eye, you will have watery, burning and itchy eye.

You can take precautions to prevent pink eye. But sometimes, despite precautions, you or any of your loved ones can develop this condition. You should get in touch with one of the most professional eye doctors in Phoenix AZ if you have pink eye. Your eye doctor will take the correct course of action and provide you the treatment based on your symptoms.

Finding well-qualified and experienced eye doctors in Phoenix AZ is a bit daunting. You can make this process a breeze by taking help of online resources. You can shortlist 5 to 6 of them and visit their websites personally to know more about their expertise and eye care services. In case you need other eye treatments or are looking for Laser eye surgery in Phoenix, makes sure you research properly.