Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis – commonly known as pink eye – is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the thin tissue that lines your eyelid and covers the white of your eye. Pink eye is common and uncomfortable, but it’s usually not serious for children and adults.

Pink eye symptoms are easy to spot and include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• A gritty feeling in the eye
• Discharge that may crust over during the night
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light

Looking for relief from pink eye symptoms? Urgent Care Goshen Physicians provides treatment for pink eye. With extended hours and a team of experienced providers, we offer a personalized level of care when you need it most. Visit our urgent care center or call (574) 535-1700.

What causes pink eye?

Pink eye has many causes – some are contagious, some are not. Causes of pink eye include:

• Bacteria – Bacterial pink eye is most common among children. It’s highly contagious once symptoms start and for as long as the eye is producing discharge.
• Virus – Viral pink eye often occurs along with a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. It’s also contagious and can spread before you have any symptoms.
• Allergy – Allergic pink eye is your body’s reaction to an allergen, such as ragweed, dust mites or animal dander. This type of pink eye isn’t contagious.
• Irritants – Irritants in the air, such as chemicals, smoke or dust, can also cause pink eye that’s not contagious.

Pink eye in newborns can be caused by bacteria, virus, irritation or a blocked tear duct. It could also be caused by a sexually transmitted infection acquired during birth. If your newborn shows signs of pink eye, promptly see your doctor.

Pink eye treatment just for you

Our providers at Urgent Care Goshen Physicians treat your pink eye based on its cause. Antibiotic drops or ointments can treat bacterial pink eye. Viral pink eye can be treated with an antiviral medication. Pink eye from allergies or irritants can be resolved by removing the allergen or irritant from the environment. Your doctor may also recommend allergy eye drops.

At home, you can apply warm or cool compresses to the eye and apply artificial tear drops. If you wear contacts, throw away the contaminated pair and avoid wearing contacts until all your symptoms are gone.