Conjunctivitis or otherwise known as pink eye, is a very common condition that results from an inflammation of our conjunctiva. It lines to protect the sclera of our eyes and eyelids, are made of a membrane that is thin and transparent. This condition is not a disease, but it can be caused by irritants, virus, or bacteria causing infection of the sclera.
If pink eye is caused by an infection of a virus or bacteria, it is known to be highly contagious and is called an infectious conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is a most common form and bacterial conjunctivitis is its more serious form of infection. The viral form does not necessarily need serious attention compared to its bacterial form. This can be easily transmitted through droplets (sneezing and coughing) and also sharing of personal belongings. It can affect all age groups but has a higher incidence in young children because of easy transmission of infection through classrooms and playgrounds.
The diagnosis of this condition can begin by a visit to your Austin eye doctor who takes notes on your medical history and symptoms followed by a thorough physical and eye examinations. So it is important that you tell your doctor the exact details on how were your eyes got infected. Although this condition cannot cause blindness, it has the potential to become serious if left untreated. Do not hesitate to have it checked and always comply with all medical prescriptions and procedure as prescribed by the doctor so as not to cause an epidemic in your own household that might place your children in danger.
The Austin eye doctor is someone you can trust that has the full capacity to educate us regarding this condition from prevention, diagnosis treatment and management. Keep in mind, pink eyes are not just always a simple conjunctivitis. Sometimes this can be a sign of an even more serious health threat that can suggest a systemic condition.