Viral pink eye, also called viral conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye conditions seen in urgent care clinics. It often starts suddenly and can cause enough discomfort along with visible symptoms like swelling and redness to interfere with work, school, and daily life. Viral conjunctivitis is also very contagious, and can easily spread without proper hygiene practices. Knowing what viral pink eye feels like and when to seek care can help you get faster relief and avoid spreading the infection to others. This article will review symptoms of viral pink eye so that you know when to seek medical care for treatment.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye, it is important to seek medical attention for evaluation and treatment. Early intervention will decrease your overall recovery time, help you manage symptoms effectively, and prevent the spread of pink eye to others. At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day care for pink eye on a walk-in basis. We’re conveniently located in Edgewater, Maryland, and offer convenient care for patients near Annapolis and Edgewater, Maryland. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online in advance using the button below. We’re open 7 days a week.
Early Symptoms of Viral Pink Eye
Pink eye causes intense eye irritation. Symptoms can begin very subtle, but will quickly worsen with time if left untreated. Many patients describe viral pink eye as feeling like there’s something in their eye that won’t come out. Other common symptoms of pink eye include:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in the eye
- Mild burning or itching
- Increasing eye redness
- Watery discharge rather than thick mucus
- Light sensitivity
- Slight eyelid puffiness
How Long Do Pink Eye Symptoms Typically Last?
Viral pink eye can be long lasting, with many cases lasting over a week. Symptoms may worsen when left untreated due to excessive rubbing. Pink eye often begins in just one eye, but most cases of viral pink eye will spread to the other eye within a day or two. This can lead to severe discomfort, along with difficulty seeing.
Treatment Options
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria and even allergies. Diagnosing the underlying cause of your symptoms is essential, because not all cases of pink eye can be treated the same way. Viral pink eye cannot be treated with antibiotic drops, however, other cases of pink eye respond very well to antibiotic eye drops. In most cases of viral pink eye, OTC medications like anti-inflammatory drops can help reduce discomfort. Applying a cool compress and taking pain relievers can also be effective in managing discomfort during the healing process.
Get Same-Day Pink Eye Relief at AFC Urgent Care Edgewater
Pink eye is a very common condition, and viral cases of pink eye can quickly spread from person to person. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye, it’s vital that you seek immediate evaluation of your symptoms. At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for minor conditions like pink eye, all on a walk-in basis with short wait times!
If you need rapid symptom relief from pink eye, walk into AFC Edgewater. We’re open 7 days a week and accept walk-in patients. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, contact the clinic directly by calling (410) 956-3394.
