Introduction
Many of our patients at Fab Eye get a red eye and wonder, am I getting pink eye? We are here to help and explain what could be going on. People often refer to an acute red eye as “pink eye”. What is pink eye? Pink eye is a common cause of urgent ophthalmic visits and encompasses a range of conditions affecting the conjunctiva. While often self-limiting, certain etiologies require prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications and reduce transmission. Patients in the Philadelphia suburban area, including Malvern, Paoli, Exton, West Chester, and Phoenixville, frequently present to urgent eye care for this condition in our office.
Etiologic Categories
- Viral Pink Eye
- Most commonly caused by adenovirus serotypes.
- Transmission is highly contagious via direct contact or fomites.
- Frequently associated with upper respiratory tract infection.
- Clinical features: watery discharge, follicular conjunctival reaction, unilateral onset with contralateral involvement within 24–48 hours.
- Bacterial Pink Eye
- Common pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae.
- Typically presents with mucopurulent discharge, eyelid crusting upon awakening, and conjunctival injection.
- In severe cases, hyperacute onset may be caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, requiring immediate systemic therapy.
- Allergic Pink Eye
- IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.
- Often bilateral with marked pruritus, tearing, and papillary conjunctival response.
- May be seasonal (hay fever conjunctivitis) or perennial.
- Irritant Pink Eye
- Chemical, smoke, or particulate exposure causes direct conjunctival irritation.
- Symptoms resolve with removal of the offending agent and supportive care.
Fab Eye Care Treatments for Pink Eye
- We do a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to distinguish between viral, bacterial, allergic, and irritant etiologies.
- Targeted therapeutic approach:
- Viral: Supportive measures, lubrication, and patient counseling on transmission prevention.
- Bacterial: Topical antibiotic therapy selected for likely pathogens and resistance profiles.
- Allergic: Topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and recommendations for allergen avoidance.
- Irritant: Ocular surface irrigation, lubrication, and avoidance of the inciting substance.
- Monitoring for complications, including corneal involvement, anterior uveitis, or secondary bacterial infection.
Call us or visit one our two locations in Phoenixville and Malvern if you get the “pink eye”!
