Pink eye – although not a serious condition, is highly contagious and more common than you may think. Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is when the white part of the eye gets swollen and appears red. There are three types of conjunctivitis; viral, bacterial, and allergic.
The conjunctiva (hence the name) is the thin, filmy membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye.
When the blood vessels in this area become irritated and swollen, they cause your eye to appear red. This irritation is typically caused by a bacterial infection, allergies, or even symptoms from the common cold.
Here are five tips to help minimize your chances of getting pink eye this summer:
Suit up – When swimming, wear activity appropriate goggles to protect yourself from bacteria in the water.
Remove your lenses – Never share your contact lenses with others and remove them before submerging or playing in water of any kind to avoid trapping bacteria between your eyes and lenses.
Scrub! – Frequently clean surfaces you use often with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes before washing your hands thoroughly.
Keep to yourself – Do not share personal care items that come in close proximity to the eyes.
Wash – In the case that you are near others who show symptoms of pink eye, be preventative by thoroughly washing hand with hot water.
If you are experiencing a sensitivity to light, a burning or scratchy feeling, redness, and/or a pus-like discharge in or around the eye, you may have pink eye. Book an appointment with one of our Doctors of Optometry for diagnosis, and to help clarify which of the three types of conjunctivitis you may have for appropriate treatment. Please give us a call at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com to book an appointment.
Remove your lenses – Never share your contact lenses with others and remove them before submerging or playing in water of any kind to avoid trapping bacteria between your eyes and lenses.
Scrub! – Frequently clean surfaces you use often with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes before washing your hands thoroughly.
Keep to yourself – Do not share personal care items that come in close proximity to the eyes.
Wash – In the case that you are near others who show symptoms of pink eye, be preventative by thoroughly washing hand with hot water.
If you are experiencing a sensitivity to light, a burning or scratchy feeling, redness, and/or a pus-like discharge in or around the eye, you may have pink eye. Book an appointment with one of our Doctors of Optometry for diagnosis, and to help clarify which of the three types of conjunctivitis you may have for appropriate treatment. Please give us a call at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com to book an appointment.
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