The 4 Types of Glaucoma and How They Affect Your Eyes
Glaucoma comes in many forms, and all of them are equally dangerous. Four types can cause your vision to deteriorate slowly. A trained ophthalmologist can detect all four.
Treating Conjunctivitis
Every year, an estimated 6 million people in the United States get conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Many cases of conjunctivitis are triggered by allergies, which can stimulate histamine production and cause the eyes to get red, swollen, and itchy.
At Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Brittni Rodriguez, OD, can accurately diagnose whether your pink eye is due to allergies and help prescribe a treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Pink eye basics
Pink eye is an umbrella term for all types of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an irritation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the tissue that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelid.
Pink eye can have many causes, and the cause determines the treatment. There are four main types of conjunctivitis, but only two are contagious.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is perhaps the easiest type of conjunctivitis to treat, since it’s not caused by bacteria, a virus, or chemicals. Instead, it’s caused by a histamine reaction to substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or other allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.
The best way to deal with allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the allergens that can trigger a reaction. If you do get allergic conjunctivitis, oral antihistamines, anti-inflammatory eyedrops, and mild steroids may help. If you have seasonal allergies, you may only need treatment part of the year. If you have chronic eye allergies, you may need ongoing treatment to keep symptoms at bay.
Chemical conjunctivitis
Chemical substances, such as acids or cleaning solutions, that get into the eye can cause chemical conjunctivitis. Treatment typically involves flushing the eye with a saline solution and using steroid drops. If the eye is severely damaged, it may need to be seen by a specialist so scarring can be prevented and sight can be retained. Chemical conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
If bacteria gets in the eye or reaches the eye from a respiratory infection, it can cause bacterial conjunctivitis. It’s highly contagious, but it can be quickly treated with antibiotic eye drops to get rid of the infection.
Viral conjunctivitis
Pink eye can also be caused by a contagious virus, in which case antibiotics won’t help. Isolation can stop the spread, and artificial tears, cold compresses, and steroids can reduce pain and inflammation. You’ll have to wait it out until the viral conjunctivitis infection clears, which could take up to two weeks.
If red, itchy, or irritated eyes are giving you problems, book an appointment online or over the phone with Harlem VistaSite Eye Care today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Why Am I So Sensitive to Light?
Light sensitivity, which is also called photophobia, can be caused by anything from migraines to meningitis. If you’ve found yourself more sensitive to light lately, here’s when to consult a specialist about your photophobia.
The Best Ways to Support Your Vision
Much like both your hearing and dental needs, you must maintain your eye health throughout your life to support your vision. Here are the best ways to keep your sight intact.
Is There a Way to Treat Cataracts Without Surgery?
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness, but also the most easily corrected. Full replacement of the clouded lens is eventually necessary, but keep reading to learn how to treat the symptoms before you schedule surgery.
Which Type of Contact Lenses Are Right for Me?
You’ve made the decision to transition from wearing glasses to contact lenses. What are your options? Although fitting glasses is about frames, contact lenses are about materials. Here’s what you need to know.
Is My Computer Giving Me Dry Eyes?
Screen time isn’t all bad, but it can have both psychological and physical effects. One of the latter is dry eyes, which can worsen the more time you spend with your computer.