ABC VISION

Pink eye is an eye condition that can be extremely contagious. However, your eye irritation may be from seasonal allergies or from dry eye, as well. At ABC Vision Source, serving Sherwood, Portland, and Hillsboro, OR, our eye doctor diagnoses and treats eye irritation to keep your vision at its best. Here are some commonly asked questions about pink eye.

What are the different types of pink eye?

Pink eye can be allergic, bacterial, or viral. If you are suffering from viral pink eye, both eyes are affected, and it can be caused by the common cold. It normally produces watering and burning of the eyes. Bacterial pink eye is usually accompanied by pain, inflammation, blurred vision, and a yellowish discharge. Allergic pink eye, on the other hand, is normally caused by pet dander, mold, pollen, or even cosmetics or contacts. People with this condition experience itchy eyes, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. Our eye doctor will be able to determine which type you have based on your symptoms.

Is pink eye always contagious?

Both bacterial and viral pink eye are contagious and can spread easily via hand-to-eye contact. It can also spread via respiratory droplets. Allergic pink eye is not contagious, since the symptoms associated are normally the result of your body releasing histamines that result from an allergic trigger.

How long will my symptoms last?

The majority of pink eye cases do not last longer than two weeks. However, more eye irritation can occur with certain strains of the virus. A super strain of pink eye is more aggressive than the normal strain and can linger for several weeks.

How is pink eye treated?

Depending on the type you have, our eye doctor will use different treatments. We often suggest artificial tears and a warm compress. If you have allergic conjunctivitis, we may give you antihistamines or medicated eye drops.

Visit Our Optometry Team for Pink Eye Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have eye irritation, we can help. At ABC Vision Source, serving Hillsboro, Sherwood, and Portland, OR, our eye doctor provides pink treatment and other eyecare services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.