Conjunctivitis

David K. Chow, MD, MPH, FACS

Ophthalmologist located in Reston, VA

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is one of the most common eye infections today. Although it can cause some irritating and frustrating symptoms, you don’t have to suffer thanks to skilled ophthalmologist David K. Chow, MD, MPH, FACS. At his office in Reston, Virginia, Dr. Chow treats conjunctivitis and all other eye infections with the expertise, so you can count on him for relief fast. If you have an eye infection, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.

703-436-4215

Conjunctivitis Q & A

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common eye infection that usually turns the white part of your eyes red or pink. Conjunctivitis has two main causes: bacterial and viral infections. It’s also possible to get allergic conjunctivitis, which is a reaction to allergens like pollen.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious, so it’s important to get treatment as soon as you notice symptoms to protect yourself and others.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis go beyond the pink eyes, and often include:

Itchy eyes
Grainy feeling in your eyes
Teary eyes
Sticky eye discharge that may glue eyelashes shut in the mornings
Hazy or blurry vision
Swollen eyelids
Light sensitivity
Pain, particularly in bacterial conjunctivitis

Although these symptoms are usually strong indicators of conjunctivitis, there are several other eye infections that have very similar symptoms, like viral and fungal keratitis, for example.

No matter what eye infection you’re dealing with, Dr. Chow has the diagnostic and treatment skills to help you get symptom relief fast.

What is the treatment for eye infections?

Dr. Chow determines which eye infection you’re suffering from and whether it’s bacterial or viral before deciding a course of treatment.

For bacterial eye infections, such as chalazia and styes, the most common treatment is prescription antibiotics, usually in eye drop or ointment form.

Dr. Chow may also recommend home care like compresses to soothe your irritated eyes as they heal. Usually, with the right antibiotics, you'll enjoy symptom relief within a day or two.

If you have a viral eye infection, it won't respond to antibiotics, but your body will fight the virus successfully with time. Antiviral or steroid eye drops may help, especially if your symptoms are severe. As with bacterial eye infections, compresses may help soothe your eyes as you heal.

Sometimes, Dr. Chow may prescribe oral antibiotics or antivirals, particularly if your eye infection is severe. If your symptoms don't start to lessen within a couple of days, contact the office for help.

Dr. Chow is fully dedicated to patient care, and he always strives to ensure that you get the fastest symptom relief possible for conjunctivitis and all other eye infections like chalazia and styes.

Use the online booking tool or call David K. Chow, MD, today for help from an experienced eye care specialist.