Conjunctivitis Treatment in Downtown Manhattan

Pink eye is a condition with many different causes, but the same result — impacted vision and uncomfortable eyes. Conjunctivitis treatment for kids is especially vital as they can’t practice the same kind of conjunctivitis prevention as adults, so they’re at a higher risk of getting pink eye more often. When that happens, seek out the best pediatric optometrist to help your child and your whole family. Call the eye doctors at Eye Physicians in New York City for a prompt appointment. The sooner you begin treatment, the quicker you get over the distress of having pink eye or having to keep your kids home from school.

    What Is Pink Eye?

    Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a thin, translucent tissue that borders the inside of the eyelid and covers the white of the eye. You can get pink eye in one or both eyes. Pink eye is one of the most prevalent eye infections among children and adults, as every year, around six million cases of conjunctivitis occur in the U.S.

    People sometimes mistake pink eye for another condition called stye, as the symptoms can be similar, which is why it’s vital that you find an eye doctor who knows how to treat pink eye effectively and diagnose it properly. Top-rated optometrist at Eye Physicians in New York City, known for their experience and round-the-clock care, specialize in eye issues and offer comprehensive eye care for treating pink eye and other conditions, such as:

    What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

    Pink eye can manifest with various symptoms. It’s important to treat eye infections in a timely manner to prevent further complications and to stop the spread of the disease.

    The most common symptoms include:

    • Redness in the white of the eyes
    • Increased tear production
    • Gritty or scratchy sensation
    • Watery or thick yellow-green discharge
    • Eyelids cling together
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Blurred vision

    Most pink eye cases appear with these common symptoms and frequently resolve independently or with minor treatment. However, problems or new symptoms may occur in some cases, particularly if the infection is severe or the root cause of the disease is serious.

    New symptoms that require treatment for pink eye by your NYC doctor as soon as possible include:

    • Severe eye pain
    • Intense redness
    • Trouble with vision
    • High fever

    Pink eye symptoms in children are generally similar to those in adults, however, their severity can differ. Children may be more likely to rub their eyes, causing additional irritation. Plus, they may be fussy or express their pain more directly. When considering pink eye treatment for kids, it’s important to first see a pediatric eye doctor like you find at NYC-based Eye Physicians who is familiar with children’s issues and offers the best conjunctivitis treatment for kids.

    What Causes Conjunctivitis?

    Identifying the causes of conjunctivitis is extremely important to develop the best conjunctivitis treatments.

    Conjunctivitis can develop in newborns following childbirth as a result of bacterial or viral infections, and can be caused by a variety of other factors, the most common of which include:

    • Viruses, particularly adenoviruses, which have been related to respiratory infections and the common cold
    • Bacterial infections, especially those caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus
    • Allergic reactions to pollen, dust or pet dander
    • Smoke, chlorine from swimming pools and harsh chemicals
    • Improper hand washing, poor hygiene and prolonged wearing of contact lenses
    • Sexually transmitted infections such as herpes simplex, gonorrhea or chlamydia

    Pink eye is very contagious and easily spreads from person to person. Bacterial pink eye is contagious for 24 to 48 hours after taking antibiotics and viral pink eye spreads for as long as the symptoms last, and it can be contagious even before symptoms appear.

    The most typical ways it spreads include:

    • Touching an infected person’s eye fluid or tears and then touching your own eyes
    • Sharing personal objects such as towels, pillowcases or eye makeup with someone who has pink eye
    • When someone with viral conjunctivitis coughs or sneezes, the virus in the respiratory droplets comes into contact with others

    If your doctor suspects bacterial involvement or the pink eye infection is serious, they may suggest testing. They use a soft swab to collect fluids from around your eye and send the sample to a laboratory. The laboratory runs tests to determine the exact cause of your pink eye.

    What Are My Conjunctivitis Treatment Options in Downtown Manhattan?

    Treatment for pink eye is primarily determined by the underlying cause, however, your optometrist develops your pink eye treatment plan with the diagnosis in mind, which typically includes taking into account your symptoms and medical history, such as recent infections, allergies, eye irritants, sexually transmitted infections or a family history of autoimmune illnesses. 

    General treatment options include:

    • Supportive measures, such as cold compresses and artificial tears to alleviate symptoms, as the infection may disappear on its own over time
    • Prescription antibiotic eye drops and ointments, commonly used to treat bacterial infections
    • Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers that reduce allergic conjunctivitis symptoms
    • Removing or avoiding the irritant causing the conjunctivitis and supplying lubricating eye drops that reduce irritant-induced conjunctivitis

    Newborns can acquire a dangerous type of pink eye that can result in vision loss. In hospitals in the United States, it’s routine practice to apply an antibiotic ointment to each newborn’s eyes.

    Other pink eye prevention involves tasks such as:

    • Practicing proper hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing, to reduce the transmission of viral and bacterial diseases
    • Avoiding touching the eyes and exchanging private items
    • Using protective eyewear in appropriate situations
    • Managing allergies
    • Practicing good contact lens care
    • Staying up to date on vaccines
    • Keeping your kids home from school and daycare, away from other children, if they have eye infections

    Contact Eye Physicians in New York City, the ideal eye doctor in Downtown Manhattan who understands the difficulty of keeping your kids healthy and maintaining regular eye checkup schedule. They provide prompt service and strive to get you in and out of the office in under an hour.

    Page Updated on Nov 1, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

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