Navigating Pink Eye: Understanding and Treatment

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Care at Afterhours Urgent Care Center

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a condition that causes the white part of the eye to turn pink or red due to inflammation. At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we’re equipped to help you and your young explorers tackle this common issue, especially during the months when it spreads more easily, like back-to-school season.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious eye condition that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.
Causes and Types of Pink Eye

Pink eye can be caused by a variety of factors, each leading to slightly different symptoms:

  • Viral Conjunctivitis:
    Highly contagious, often accompanying cold or flu symptoms. It usually starts in one eye before spreading to the other. Discharge tends to be watery.

  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
    Common in children, this type is also highly contagious and may occur with ear infections. It often causes a thicker discharge, making eyelashes stick together.

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis:
    Triggered by allergens like pollen or dust. It’s not contagious and typically affects both eyes without discharge, leading to swelling and itching.

  • Irritant Conjunctivitis:
    Caused by foreign bodies, chemicals, or over-worn contact lenses, leading to watery eyes and mucus discharge.

Recognizing Symptoms of Pink Eye

Regardless of the cause, pink eye symptoms are generally similar:

  • Red or pink discoloration in the white of the eye
  • Swelling of eyelids or conjunctiva
  • Increased tear production
  • Urge to rub the eyes
  • Discomfort, itching, or burning sensation
  • Discharge, leading to crusty eyelashes, especially in the morning
  • Difficulty with contact lenses

Newborns with pink eye symptoms should see a pediatrician immediately, as it can indicate more serious conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosis involves a thorough review of symptoms and a physical exam. Laboratory tests may be conducted to determine the specific type of conjunctivitis. Treatment varies based on the cause:

  • Viral Conjunctivitis: Usually resolves on its own within 7 to 14 days. Severe cases may require antiviral medication.
  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed. Mild cases might improve without antibiotics.
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: Treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications. Avoiding allergens is also beneficial.

Managing Discomfort and Preventing Spread
To ease discomfort:

  • Use cold compresses and artificial tears for inflammation and dryness.
  • Keep separate cloths for each eye to avoid cross-contamination.

Preventive measures include regular handwashing, not sharing eye makeup or contact lens accessories, and staying home if you have a contagious form of pink eye.

At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we provide comprehensive care for pink eye, ensuring you and your family receive the appropriate treatment and advice to manage this common but uncomfortable condition.

Reference: Academic Emergency Medicine Journal – Clinical Features of Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Children. Jan 2007.

Avoid The ER Wait Times

Emergencies Services Open Late

Emergencies Don’t Stick to a 9 to 5 Schedule,
Neither Do We!

Emergencies Don’t Stick to a 9 to 5 Schedule,
Neither Do We!

Our Urgent Care Centers Are here for you during the afternoon through the twilight hours. Saving you a trip to the ER when your primary care provider goes home to the their family.

Our Service Hours

Days: Hours:
Mon-Thurs 6 pm – 1 am
Friday 5 pm – 2 am
Saturday and Sunday 2 pm – 2 am
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Why Afterhours Care?

At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we embrace those unanticipated moments that fall outside the confines of traditional healthcare schedules. We present ourselves as a beacon of hope during the late nights and early mornings, ensuring that the community’s health needs don’t have to wait until dawn. Recognizing the challenges of crowded emergency rooms, we bring you timely, affordable, and expert medical care whenever you need it.

Every minute counts when you’re in distress. Our Urgent Care extends beyond typical treatments, ensuring that minor injuries and common illnesses are addressed with the utmost precision and care. From sprains to respiratory infections, our skilled team is equipped to manage a wide range of medical conditions that don’t warrant an ER visit, but also can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment. We’re the bridge between primary care and emergency rooms, available when most others aren’t.

Spacious and comfortable waiting area of After Hours Urgent Care with seating and children's play section.

Illness Services:

Emergencies don’t stick to a standard schedule – and neither do illnesses.

Injury Services:

Accidents don’t announce their arrival, but when they happen…

Wellness and Prevention:

At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we believe in proactive health.

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Workplace and medical challenges tackled with ease.

Pediatric Urgent Care:

Urgent Pediatric care available, in the hours it matters most.

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Awaken your healthy and beautiful nature with our treatments.

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Meet Our Clinical Team

We offer an alternative to no insurance pricing with our self-pay pricing packages.
Dr. Jane Doe

Clinician: Pineville Location

We offer an alternative to no insurance pricing with our self-pay pricing packages.
Dr. Jane Doe

Clinician: Pineville Location