The Truth About “Pink Eye”

June 10, 2013

What is “Pink Eye”?

At Vision Center PC, we commonly get asked the question, what is Pink Eye? Is it contagious? Should I see an Optometrist, or my Family Physician?

Do you know there are actually more than thirteen different conditions that can cause Pink Eye?

Pink eye is a slang term that includes disorders that irritate the eye, and cause it to look angry, pink, or even red. Patients usually think of pink eye as a contagious disorder that can be cured with “drops”. But many times,patients are incorrectly diagnosed and treated for the wrong condition. This is why it is very important to see your family optometrist for any eye condition, because they have special microscopes to view the eye under magnification, to accurately diagnose the correct cause. You can also use your medical insurance at Vision Center PC for these office visits just as  you would at any other clinic. Many times, some types of pink eye need no medication, and they resolve on their own.

Here is a list of eye disorders that can fall into the “pink eye” category:

  1. Viral Conjunctivitis
  2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
  3. Allergic Conjunctivitis
  4. Lid disease such as Blepharitis, Meibomitis, and Rosacea
  5. Bacterial Keratitis
  6. Corneal Ulcers
  7. Herpetic Keratitis
  8. Dry Eyes
  9. Uveitis or Iritis
  10. Episcleritis and Scleritis
  11. Corneal or Conjunctival Foreign Body
  12. Sub-conjunctival Hemorrhage
  13. Soft Contact Lens Associated Corneal Hypoxia (SCLACH)

Remember, at Vision Center PC, we not only specialize in providing comprehensive eye exams, we are also available 24 hours a day for eye health care and emergencies, including the thirteen different types of “Pink Eye”.

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