Are you experiencing watery, itchy eyes that appear swollen and red? You may have a common condition known as pinkeye. At Vision 3C Specialists, serving San Antonio, Floresville, and South Texas, our team provides comprehensive care for your eye care needs. Our eye surgeon, ophthalmologist Dr. Trujillo, has over 17 years of experience treating advanced ocular disorders as well as common eye conditions such as pinkeye.

What Is Pinkeye?

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin clear tissue that lines the inner eyelid, is known as conjunctivitis. The term “pinkeye” isn’t officially used among the medical community, but doctors generally consider it to be a mild form of conjunctivitis resulting from contact with a virus.

This eye condition doesn’t usually cause vision damage, although it is very contagious. Treating it quickly is important, especially if a newborn baby develops pinkeye as this could affect the child’s vision.

While viral strains are the most common cause of pinkeye, conjunctivitis can also be caused by:

Eye irritants like chlorine or pollen
Bacteria
Adverse reactions to eye drops
Sexually transmitted diseases

Pinkeye Symptoms

Pinkeye caused by viral strains usually starts in one eye and quickly spreads to the other eye. You may have swollen lymph nodes in the area around your ear or jawbone. A watery discharge is common as well as the telltale symptom of the eyes becoming irritated and red.

The symptoms of pinkeye caused by allergies and irritants include teary, itchy eyes, whereas symptoms of pinkeye caused by bacteria include pus and mucus in one eye and sometimes in both eyes.

How to Manage Your Pinkeye Symptoms

If you have pinkeye that’s caused by a virus, you most likely need to simply let it run its course. Like the common cold, this type of pinkeye usually lasts four to seven days.

Some tips for when you have pinkeye from a viral strain include:

Washing discharge from the eyes using a disposable towel
Soaking a washcloth in warm water and using it as a compress, up to four times per day
Using eye drops (other than nonprescription “artificial tears”) sparingly. Even though they may provide temporary relief, eye drops often make symptoms worse.
Avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust or pollen

Treatment for Pinkeye

Even if you only have mild symptoms, you may need to see your eye doctor if redness in your eyes persists for more than two weeks.

It is important to contact your ophthalmologist right away if you have any of these pinkeye symptoms:

Severe eye pain when you look at a bright light
Vision loss
High fever
Chills
Yellow or green discharge

Contact Your Eye Doctor

At Vision 3C Specialists, serving residents of San Antonio, Floresville, and the surrounding area, our friendly bilingual team treats conditions like pinkeye as well as advanced ocular disorders requiring the expertise of an experienced eye surgeon. Call us today at (210) 538-2020 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.