Treating Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye and is the result of infection or inflammation of the lining of the eye, which is known as the conjunctiva membrane. Conjunctivitis is contagious and children are especially susceptible to contracting it from one another so it is important to seek treatment from a pediatrician right away. Treatment can also help alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis, which can include eye itchiness. The doctors at Surfside Pediatrics are your Ventura, CA, pediatricians for the treatment of pink eye.

Causes and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis if often caused by either a bacterial or viral infection, but it can also develop due to allergies. Some of the symptoms associated with conjunctivitis include:

• Watery eyes
• Puffy eyes
• Redness of the eye
• Itchiness of the eye
• Discharge from the eye
• Crusting on the lashes

It is best to seek treatment for your child right away if any of the symptoms of pink eye develop. The condition is extremely contagious and any contact with secretions of the affected eye(s) can result in the spread of conjunctivitis to others. To reduce the risk of infecting other family members, schedule an appointment with your child’s Ventura, CA, pediatrician as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, washing the hands regularly can help prevent the conjunctivitis from spreading to others.

Treatments

The best course of treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Antibiotic eye drops can be used to treat pink eye caused by a bacterial infection, while antiviral eye drops can be used if the infection was caused by a virus. Antihistamines are a treatment option for conjunctivitis caused by allergies. Other medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, might also be recommended or prescribed by your doctor. It is possible for pink eye to eventually clear up on its own, but treatment will help speed up recovery.

Conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pink eye, regularly affects many children who might be exposed to the condition by another child at school. Treatments are available for speeding recovery and for soothing the symptoms caused by pink eye. For the treatment of conjunctivitis in your child, schedule an appointment with a Ventura, CA, pediatrician by calling Surfside Pediatrics at (805) 643-7500.