by Dr. M | Apr 23, 2019 | Allergies, Appointment, Conjunctivitis, Cornea, Dry Eye, Exam, Uncategorized, Vision
When you see the trees and flowers start to bloom, do you think “YAY, Spring!” or “OH, NO, Allergies!”?
Do your eyes feel itchy and irritated with seasonal allergies? Don’t suffer, come in for relief from the symptoms of allergy eyes. Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang can evaluate the best treatment for your allergy eyes that will help you enjoy the beauty of Spring.
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS: Itching, redness, tearing and eyelid swelling. This condition is often accompanied by other signs of allergies, like a stuffy, itchy and runny nose. It’s not contagious since it is caused by dust or allergens. Artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops, and medication can help relieve the symptoms.
If you use an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine like to treat a runny or congested nose, while this medicine dries out our sinuses, it causes dryness in your mouth and eyes too! Use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) when you take allergy medicines, and you give your eyes the moisture that they need to feel better and see clearly.
There are also specific OTC allergy eye drops that are can be used to treat irritated allergy eyes, but these drops aren’t suitable for long-term use. We don’t recommend drops that “get the red out”. These drops may offer a quick fix for red eyes, but they don’t give you any long-term benefits. In fact, you may become dependent on them, since they don’t solve your dry eye issues.
Our doctors can diagnose if there are other underlying causes for the eye irritation…it might not be just allergies. If you have a crusty, yellowish discharge you may have an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
We are here to help you maintain good eye health and excellent vision no matter the season. Call us, text us, or fill out the form on this page to make an appointment with Dr. Moran or Dr. Tang.
by Dr. M | Feb 19, 2019 | Appointment, Conjunctivitis, Medical Eye Care, Patient Care
Irritated, runny eyes…it is Pink Eye?
If you or your children have an inflammation in the eye, it could be pink eye. The medical term for pink eye is Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
Red, irritated eyes could be pink eye.
There are three different types of conjunctivitis: Viral, Bacterial and Allergic.
The treatment for each condition varies, so if you have an inflamed eye, make an appointment so our doctors can prescribe the specific treatment that will give you relief. Conjunctivitis is very common and easily treated, so don’t suffer, call for an appointment when symptoms begin.
VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS: If it’s viral conjunctivitis, it usually affects one eye. Because it is a virus, it is contagious, and can easily spread to your other eye. You may experience a light discharge, excessive watering, itching and crusting on the eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics.
BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS: If your inflamed eye has a heavy yellow or green discharge with crusting on the lids, you may have bacterial conjunctivitis. This type of conjunctivitis easily spreads to both eyes. It is important to start antibiotic eye drops as soon as you start to have symptoms. Be careful wiping your eyes, use a clean tissue or gauze for each eye.
ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS: Itching, redness, tearing and eyelid swelling are all signs of allergic conjunctivitis. This condition is often accompanied by other signs of allergies, like a stuffy, itchy and runny nose. It’s not contagious since it is caused by dust or allergens. Artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops, and medication can help relieve the symptoms.
For ALL types of eye inflammations, practice good hygiene. Assume that the condition is contagious until told otherwise.
- WASH your hands frequently
- STOP wearing contacts
- THROW AWAY your old contact case
- WASH your pillowcase
- DISCARD old eye makeup
Warm compresses will give you relief from Viral, Bacterial and Allergic conjunctivitis. Good hygiene practices are essential!
If you have questions about pink eye or any other eye condition, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 610-628-2022.
