Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a contagious eye condition that inflames or infects one or both eyes, causing redness and varying degrees of discomfort. It can be either acute or chronic, affecting anyone from infants to elders. Statistics reveal that acute conjunctivitis affects 6 million Americans annually, and out of them, 70% of patients seek primary and urgent care.
While many cases of pink eye clear up on their own within some days without medical intervention, severe cases can cause corneal damage and vision loss if not treated on time. Therefore, it is important to get it diagnosed and treated on time to prevent complications.
Pink eye occurs when the blood vessels of your conjunctiva (a clear, thin membrane on the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eye) becomes inflamed, turning pink or reddish in color.
Pink eye is classified into three types based on its causes, including:
This is caused by microorganisms, such as:
Staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria can cause pink eye. It spreads by sharing objects, touching eyes with unclean hands, or having physical contact with the infected person.
Common cold viruses cause most cases of pink eye. It spreads through an infected person’s respiratory droplets as they cough or sneeze near you, or from you touching surfaces with those droplets and then rubbing your face or eyes.
Allergens like molds, pollens, pet dander, or wearing soft or hard contact lenses can cause allergic pink eye.
Usually caused by irritants:
While infectious pink eye is highly contagious, other types are not. Whether or not your pink eye is contagious depends on its underlying cause.
Infectious conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria is contagious, as the infection can easily transmit from one person to the other.
If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, you can remain contagious while having symptoms or till one to two days after beginning antibiotic treatment., if appropriate. If you have viral conjunctivitis, you can spread the infection as long as you have symptoms or even before you know you have pink eye.
Viral pink eye lasts for one to two weeks and usually improves without treatment. Mild bacterial pink eye may not require treatment and improves within 10 days. However, moderate to severe bacterial conjunctivitis should be treated with antibiotics, and the infection should improve within 24 hours of using antibiotics.
You should see a healthcare provider if your conjunctivitis causes:
Newborns or those with existing medical conditions or a weakened immune system should seek immediate medical intervention.
Mild cases of pink eye are not a cause for concern and can be managed and treated at home.
General care guidelines include:
Though pink eye is not a deadly condition, if an underlying bacterial infection spreads and worsens without treatment, it can cause serious complications such as blindness and more widespread infection. So, visit your urgent care provider if you develop pink eye symptoms that persist or worsen.
If you or anyone in your family develops conjunctivitis, visit one of our urgent care centers in Irvine Woodbridge Urgent Care, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care, CA, today for quick relief.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
