SYMPTOMS OF CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis which is caused by a virus or bacteria is extremely contagious. To prevent the spread, we recommend washing your hands often and not sharing items that have come in contact with the infected eye. If you wear contacts, you will want to stop wearing them and discard any cases and products that have come in contact with the lenses, including the contacts.
Discharge
Excessive tearing of the eyes
Eyelid swelling
Having red or pink-colored eyes
Itching or burning sensations and pain in the eyes or eyelids
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CONJUNCTIVITIS WITH OUR OPTOMETRIST
Our optometrists can examine your eyes and take a medical history to determine if you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis or if your symptoms are caused by allergies, airborne chemical exposure, or dry eye.
Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts between five and seven days and does not respond to antibiotic treatments. Instead, our eye doctor will recommend ways to reduce your symptoms. If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, our eye doctor may recommend antibiotic eye drops to help clear the infection.
If our eye doctor determines that your conjunctivitis is being caused by allergies or airborne chemical exposure, we may recommend antihistamine drops or allergy medications as well as ways to reduce your exposure to allergens and chemicals. Conjunctivitis which is the result of dry eye will require treatments for dry eye, including drops and creams to help keep your eyes lubricated.
TO SCHEDULE YOUR EYE EXAM WITH OUR OPTOMETRIST IN ASHBURN, CALL US AT 703-687-4719. WE ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING A 10 PERCENT EXAM DISCOUNT FOR NEW PATIENTS.
