Eye irritation can appear suddenly, leaving you with redness, itching, or watery eyes. One of the most common culprits is conjunctivitis, which is widely known as pink eye. While it is usually mild, pink eye can be uncomfortable and is highly contagious. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment can help you act quickly and prevent complications.
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic makes it easy to receive prompt care for cases of pink eye. Simply walk into the clinic, we treat patients of all ages and never require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Patients can also save their spot online in advance below.
What Does Pink Eye Look Like?
Pink eye is easy to identify because of its signature redness. The white part of the eye takes on a pink or red appearance due to inflamed blood vessels. You may also notice swelling of the eyelids, crusty discharge in the morning, or excessive tearing. In bacterial cases, the discharge can be thick and yellow, while viral pink eye usually has a watery consistency. Allergic conjunctivitis may cause both eyes to look red and feel itchy, often accompanied by sneezing or nasal congestion.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but the most common ones include:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Itching or burning sensation
- Watery or thick discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Light sensitivity
- A gritty feeling, as though something is in your eye
Symptoms of pink eye may develop gradually or come on suddenly, making it important to pay attention to changes in your eyes.
Treatment Options for Cases of Pink Eye
Treatment for cases of pink eye depends on the underlying cause. For viral pink eye, symptoms often clear on their own within one to two weeks. Using a warm compress and artificial tears can help relieve discomfort. Bacterial pink eye may require prescription antibiotic drops or ointments to speed up recovery. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamine eye drops and by avoiding allergens. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, not sharing towels, and avoiding eye rubbing, helps prevent spreading pink eye to others.
Visit AFC Waltham for Same-Day Pink Eye Diagnosis and Treatment
Pink eye is a very common cause of sudden eye irritation. It can occur due to various different circumstances, with allergies, viral infections and bacterial infections all being potential causes. Pink eye can be painful, so seeking medical care early will ensure you have the necessary treatment tools to reduce discomfort and heal quickly.
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day care for eye infections and eye irritation. We treat patients of all ages on a walk-in basis. Our team of board-certified medical providers are trained to expertly diagnose cases of pink eye and provide the necessary treatment. We work with most medical insurance providers, and have affordable rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, visit the clinic today or give us a call at (781) 894-6900.
