Eye Infection
Pink Eye — Diagnosis & Treatment in San Diego
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is the most common eye condition in urgent care — but the cause matters greatly. Viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis are treated very differently.
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Signs & Symptoms
- Red or pink color to the white of the eye
- Discharge — watery (viral/allergic) or thick and sticky (bacterial)
- Itching (allergic) or gritty sensation (bacterial/viral)
- Light sensitivity
- Swollen eyelids
What Causes This?
- Viral — adenovirus (most common); also HSV, EKC
- Bacterial — Staph aureus, Strep pneumo, H. influenzae
- Allergic — seasonal or perennial allergen response
- Chemical — irritant or toxic conjunctivitis
Treatment Options
Viral
Supportive only — antibiotic drops do not treat viral conjunctivitis.
Bacterial
Antibiotic eye drops (polymyxin, tobramycin, ofloxacin) shorten duration.
Allergic
Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer drops (Pataday, Pazeo) — along with trigger avoidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How contagious is pink eye?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Strict hand hygiene and avoiding eye touching reduce spread. Allergi conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Related Topics
Concerned About Your Eye Health?
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Kentaro Yamada, M.D. at Hillcrest Eye Care.