Health and Wellness
Pink Eye and Conjunctivitis Treatment
In Napa, Sonoma and Benicia
Pink Eye Care
If you have redness in the white part of your eye, you might have pink eye or conjunctivitis which is an eye condition characterized by redness, irritation, and swelling of the conjunctiva. It can be caused by infections (viral or bacterial), allergies, or irritants. Depending upon the cause, it can be highly contagious.
At Urgent Care + TeleHealth clinics in Napa, Sonoma, and Benicia we’ll provide treatment to reduce the redness and help you get over your pink eye. We take most insurance plans including Kaiser and can usually see you on the same day. We offer easy online appointments for both in-person and telehealth visits, but you can also just come on in without an appointment and we’ll see you as soon as possible.
Got Pink Eye? Feel Better Fast with Urgent Care + TeleHealth
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when the thin transparent tissue covering your eye (the conjunctiva) and the lining of your eyelids becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause your eye to appear pink or red. It’s an issue that often affects children but can also occur in individuals of any age.
Pink eye can occur due to viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies or irritants, so it’s important for your doctor to take a look at your eyes before prescribing the appropriate treatment.
Common causes of pink eye include:
- Viral Infections like the common cold.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria such as those that cause strep throat.
- Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis can be triggered by pollen, pet dander or dust mites.
- Irritants: Pink eye can also result from exposure to irritants, like chemicals, smoke or foreign objects entering your eyes.
Making Pink Eye Treatment Easy
- Short on time? Start with a doctor video visit. You can always follow-up in person.
- No appointment necessary (although we encourage you to make one if possible.)
- We take most insurance plans – even Medicare and Kaiser!
- We’re open on weekends in Napa and Benicia.
- We generally have short wait times.
- Our patients love us! Check out our reviews.
- The Urgent Care clinics are managed by Dr. Ian Ahwah, a local emergency medicine doctor who has 25 years of clinical experience.
How is pink eye treated at Urgent Care + TeleHealth?
The treatment for pink eye depends on its cause, which we’ll determine through an eye examination. If you have viral conjunctivitis, it typically resolves without treatment, but you can use compresses and artificial tears for comfort. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis. Allergy medications, along with compresses, can help with allergic conjunctivitis.
Is pink eye contagious?
It depends which type of pink eye you have.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread through contact.
Bacterial conjunctivitis remains contagious until 24 hours after starting treatment.
On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious since allergens trigger it rather than germs.
Is pink eye serious?
In rare cases, if left untreated or if there are underlying health issues, pink eye can lead to more severe complications such as a corneal infection (keratitis) or chronic conjunctivitis. If you suspect you have pink eye, schedule a video visit or come into a clinic so we can examine your eyes and provide treatment.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have pink eye?
If you have Pink eye, you should not wear your contact lenses because they might trap irritants and potentially worsen the condition. When possible, switch to glasses until your eyes fully heal.
Can I go to work or school with pink eye?
It’s generally recommended to stay home if you have a contagious eye infection. Most schools and workplaces have guidelines on when it is safe to return. For example, the Benicia Unified School District asks that students stay home for 24 hours.
What are some ways to prevent the spread of pink eye to family members?
To prevent the spread of pink eye, follow these guidelines:
- Wash your hands frequently after touching your eyes.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily.
- Use tissues or cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Refrain from sharing items like towels or pillows.
References
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 5). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
- Pink Eye Symptoms. (2019, January 4). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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