What Is Pink Eye?

March 9, 2021

At Vision Center PC., we commonly get asked the questions: “What Is Pink Eye? Is it contagious? Should I see an Optometrist or my Family Physician?”

Did 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 ink 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:

Viral Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Lid Disease Such As Blepharitis, Meibomitis and Rosacea

Bacterial Keratitis

Herpetic Keratitis

Corneal Ulcers

Dry Eyes

Uveitis or Iritis

Episcleritis and Scleritis

Corneal and Conjunctival Foreign Body

Sub-conjunctival Hemorrhage

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.”