What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an acute inflammation that causes redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, a clear mucous membrane lining the eyelid and the surface of the eye. It is a common eye infection, especially in children, caused by a virus, bacteria, or even allergies, and some forms can be highly contagious.
Pink Eye Symptoms
Symptoms of pink eye include redness in the white part of the eye, itching or burning, discharge, tearing, swollen eyelids, and crusty eyes in the morning.
Types of Pink Eye
There are three main types of pink eye infections: bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis, usually caused by an adenovirus, is highly contagious and spread through poor hygiene.
Bacterial pink eye is caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria and is characterized by yellow, sticky discharge, which is also contagious.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not infectious or contagious and is an allergic reaction to something in the environment. In treating pink eye, good hygiene practices are recommended.
Pink Eye Treatments in Duvall
For viral conjunctivitis, no medical treatment is required, but cool compresses and artificial tears can relieve discomfort. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or may resolve itself. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines, or topical steroid eye drops in persistent cases.
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a lump that develops due to blockage and swelling of an oil gland in the eyelid. It is generally not an infection and may start as a small red, tender, swollen area of the eyelid that changes to a painless, slow-growing lump the size of a pea. It may result in tearing and mild irritation as obstructed glands are needed for healthy tears and blurred vision if it presses against the eyeball.
A chalazion is often confused with a stye, which is an infection of an oil gland in the eyelid that produces a red, swollen, painful lump. Left untreated, a stye can result in the formation of a chalazion.
Chalazion Treatments in Duvall
A chalazion typically disappears within several weeks to a month without treatment, although it often recurs.
Risk factors for chalazion include acne rosacea, chronic blepharitis, seborrhea, tuberculosis, viral infection, and may indicate an infection or other health problems.
It is important not to attempt to squeeze or drain a chalazion yourself and to seek proper treatment.