Conjunctivitis Services at Yaletown EyeCare

Conjunctivitis, commonly called “pink eye,” is a prevalent eye condition characterized by inflammation and eye discomfort. At Yaletown EyeCare, our team of skilled optometrists offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans for individuals with conjunctivitis. We strive to provide effective solutions to address this condition, ultimately helping patients achieve improved eye comfort and clarity.

Understanding Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent protective membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids’ interior. Multiple factors contribute to this condition, including the following:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Often resulting from a viral infection like the common cold, this highly contagious form of conjunctivitis is the most frequently encountered type.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial infections, typically involving Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria, cause this contagious variant of conjunctivitis. Untreated bacterial conjunctivitis may lead to severe eye infections.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Exposure to pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger this non-contagious form of conjunctivitis, which usually affects both eyes.

Conjunctivitis Prevalence in Canada

In Canada, conjunctivitis is a common eye condition affecting individuals of all ages. Although specific statistics are difficult to pinpoint, it is estimated that conjunctivitis cases make up a substantial proportion of primary care visits for eye-related issues. Prompt detection and treatment of conjunctivitis are crucial to maintaining eye health and avoiding complications such as worsening infections and potential vision loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis typically presents with several signs and symptoms, including:

• Redness: The affected eye’s conjunctiva may appear pink or red due to inflammation.
• Itching: Many individuals with conjunctivitis experience itchiness or discomfort in the affected eye, often prompting an urge to rub the eye.
• Discharge: Thick, yellowish discharge, particularly in bacterial conjunctivitis, may cause eyelids to stick together upon waking.
• Tearing: Excess tearing or watery eyes are common symptoms of conjunctivitis.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking a comprehensive eye examination at Yaletown EyeCare is vital to determining if conjunctivitis is the underlying cause.

Conjunctivitis Diagnosis and Treatment at Yaletown EyeCare

Comprehensive Eye Examination

To diagnose conjunctivitis, our optometrists at Yaletown EyeCare will conduct a thorough eye examination, including a detailed assessment of your eye health and a careful inspection of the conjunctiva and surrounding tissues. 

Tailored Treatment Plans

After determining the root cause of your conjunctivitis, our optometrists will develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. This plan may involve:

• Prescribing antibiotic or antiviral eye drops: For bacterial or viral conjunctivitis cases, your optometrist may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral eye drops or ointments to combat the infection and alleviate symptoms.
• Recommending allergy medications or eye drops: If allergies are responsible for conjunctivitis, your optometrist may suggest over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications or eye drops to control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Providing guidance on preventive measures, hygiene practices, and at-home care: To prevent infection spread and facilitate healing, your optometrist may offer advice on appropriate eye hygiene practices. These recommendations may include avoiding eye-touching, regularly washing hands, and routinely cleaning pillowcases and towels.