An Overview of Pink Eye

Most people have heard of the ocular disease known as pink eye. Some people might have even had it themselves. When it comes to pink eye, there are a few important points that everyone should keep in mind. The team from Macias Eye Medical Centers is here to make sure that everyone in the Fontana and Riverside areas knows just how contagious this disease can be. Take a look at some of the helpful information that we have put together for all of our readers below!

What Is Pink Eye?

For those who might not know, pink eye got its name from the color of the eye when it is affected by this condition. The vast majority of pink eye cases seen by an optometrist are caused by a virus called adenovirus. This virus is incredibly common and almost everyone is going to have it at some point in their life. However, not every case will cause pink eye. In other cases, pink eye might be caused by a bacterial infection, allergy, or even just environmental irritants.

Conjunctivitis: The Truth Behind Pink Eye

While everyone knows about how pink eye can be virulently contagious, what many people don't know is that pink eye, know also by its medical name "conjunctivitis," can also be caused by non-contagious factors. Conjunctivitis is simply inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that is part of the eye. This inflammation can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, but it can also be caused by a person's allergies or chemicals like air pollution or chlorine in a swimming pool.

Treatment Options are Available from Macias Eye Medical Centers

Depending on the exact reason why someone has pink eye, there are different treatment options available. In the case of the most common form of infectious conjunctivitis (viruses such as adenovirus), the treatment is time. It is also important to avoid contact with others as much as possible and to wash your hands regularly. For infectious conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection, there are antibiotics available. Regardless of the source of your conjunctivitis, the team from Macias Eye Medical Centers is here to help. If you would like to learn more about our ocular health services, call us today at 909-885-3933 to make an appointment. We take a great deal of pride in the eye health services we provide to the people of the Fontana and Riverside areas. Contact us today!