Looking for urgent care for pink eye? A vybe provider can evaluate your symptoms in person and help you start feeling better the same day. Book online or walk in, whichever works best for you.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis and is as contagious as the common cold. In fact, it’s often caused by the same virus that causes your cold. Pink eye can be viral or bacterial, and allergies may also be a cause of conjunctivitis. In babies, an incompletely opened tear duct can be the culprit.
Small blood vessels that run through the white part of your eye become inflamed and more visible, making the whites of your eyes appear red or pink. Pink eye is uncomfortable, and because it’s contagious, early diagnosis and treatment are key.
Pink eye is often thought to be more contagious in kids than adults. However, this is more myth than fact — it’s just that kids are more likely to touch their face, so it’s easier for them to catch pink eye.
What are common pink eye symptoms?
Symptoms of pink eye include red, itchy eyes, tearing, a gritty feeling in the eye, and even a discharge that forms a crust and might prevent your eye from opening in the morning. If you wake with any of these symptoms, wait an hour and see if your condition improves. For immediate relief of your symptoms, you should be cautious about using any drugstore eye products that help get the red out. They often contain oxymetazoline, which can be addictive.
What are common causes of pink eye?
The most common causes of pink eye are viruses, bacteria, and allergies, though pink eye can also be a result of eye irritation from a foreign object or substance (cosmetics, swimming pool chlorine).
Most cases of pink eye are caused by a virus and can occur along with colds, respiratory infections, and sore throats. Wearing unclean contact lenses can harbor bacteria that cause pink eye. If your pink eye is related to allergies, you may experience intense itching, tearing, and inflammation of your eyes, along with other allergy symptoms like sneezing and nasal discharge.
Pink eye treatment options
A vybe provider can examine your eye and help determine immediate treatment options, depending on whether you’re dealing with a viral, bacterial, or allergy-related case.
Most treatment for pink eye focuses on the relief of your symptoms, which may include using a hot or cool compress several times daily. This is because the most common form of pink eye is viral, and the virus needs to run its course (up to 2-3 weeks). You should avoid wearing contact lenses or using eye make-up until your pink eye is resolved.
- Bacterial pink eye: Antibiotic eye drops may be effective. Like all antibiotics, proper use will avoid them losing future effectiveness.
- Allergy-related pink eye: There are many prescription options that help control the impact of the allergic reaction or help control inflammation. Over-the-counter eye drops may also be effective. It’s important to get a recommendation from a clinician about the best product to use.
- Herpes simplex-related pink eye: This condition requires an evaluation from an eye specialist to determine the right treatment. At vybe, we can help determine if you have herpes simplex-related pink eye and refer you to a specialist for care.
How to prevent pink eye?
Good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of pink eye:
- Don’t touch or rub your eyes with your hands
- Wash your hands often
- Use a clean washcloth and towel daily
- Don’t share towels, makeup, or personal eye items
- Throw away cosmetics and disposable contact lenses
Be mindful that pink eye is contagious, but it’s OK to return to work or school, as long as you’re consistent about practicing good hygiene.
When should you seek medical care for pink eye?
It’s common for pink eye to clear up on its own with some rest and basic care at home. But a few signs could point to a more serious case and mean it’s worth seeking care with a provider:
- Symptoms that stick around longer than a week
- Noticeable eye pain, not just irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Any changes in your vision
- Thick, colored discharge that keeps coming back
If you wear contacts, it can raise the risk of pink eye complications because they can trap bacteria or irritants against your eye and slow healing. This makes it worth having a provider take a look, even if your symptoms feel mild, and best to stop wearing your contacts until your pink eye clears up.
Getting urgent care for pink eye is easy with vybe. Book your visit online in advance, or just walk in when it’s convenient for you.
With so many locations across the Philadelphia area, there’s a vybe near you. We’re open early and stay late so don’t delay getting care for pink eye.
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare provider can evaluate your specific symptoms and situation.
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