Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection that affects your eyes, more specifically the transparent membrane on your eyelids. The infection is more visible when the small blood vessels in your eye are inflamed. While pink eye is very irritating, it is unlikely that it will affect your vision. Remember, pink eye is highly contagious, so contact us for pink eye treatment Los Angeles to keep it from spreading.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms, in one or both of your eyes, are:

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Gritty feeling
  • Tearing
  • A discharge that creates a crust while you sleep

Causes

Some common causes of pink eye are:

  • Allergies
  • Bacteria
  • Virus
  • Foreign object in the eye(s)
  • Chemical splash

Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis
The most common cause of pink eye is because of a virus, however, both bacterial and viral pink eye can be a result of a cold or a respiratory infection. Contact lenses that haven’t been cleaned properly can also cause pink eye. Whether it is viral or bacterial pink eye, it is spread through indirect or direct contact with the liquid from the infected eye.

Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a response to allergy-causing agents and affects both eyes. Your body produces an antibody known as immunoglobulin E in response to those agents, and they trigger special cells known as mast cells. Mast cells are found in your eye mucous lining and airway and are the cause of inflammatory substance release.

Treatment

Pink eye treatment Los Angeles typically focuses on relieving the symptoms. Our doctors will most likely recommend the use of artificial tears, applying a warm or cold compress multiple times a day, or cleaning the infected eyelid with a damp cloth. You will be advised to stop using any contact lenses until the infection clears and to dispose of any contacts that have been worn. It is unlikely that you will need antibiotic eye drops since most cases of pink eye are viral.

Let the virus run its course, which usually takes around two to three weeks. If your doctor determines that your infection was caused by the herpes simplex virus, then antiviral medication will be prescribed.

If you are suffering from conjunctivitis, please schedule an appointment for pink eye treatment Los Angeles by calling us at (213) 386-2511 or schedule an appointment online.