“Doctor, I think I have Pink Eye!” The term “pink eye” is actually a general term used by patients for a variety of inflammations of the conjunctiva. What we optometrists and eye doctors look for is a more specific diagnoses and cause of what is causing your eyes to become red/pink, watery, painful, or itchy.

Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis can be allergic, bacterial, or viral.In many cases, it is just an irritated eye from a very common condition called Dry Eye Syndrome. A corrected diagnoses is important because that’s what is needed in order to get a correct treatment.

Patients usually (and unsuccessfully) attempt to treat themselves with over the counter medication or unfortunately finding and using “any eye drop” in the drawers at home. This usually does not solve the problem and in many cases can make things worse.

To watch a short video on this topic visit, Pink Eye on our website.

The important take home point is that if you see a case of “pink eye/conjunctivitis” coming, call your eye doctor. If you are a contact lens wearer, it is very important to remove your contacts, and wear your glasses until you can be seen. Los Angeles residents can visit Melamed Eye Care, where most PPO health plans are accepted as well.

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