Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye” or “red eye,” is an inflammatory or infectious condition that affects the conjunctiva, i.e., the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes. When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva are inflamed, the white parts of your eyes start looking red or pink. This condition may occur because of bacterial infections, viral infections, allergic reactions, or incompletely opened tear ducts (in babies). Conjunctivitis can be bothersome, but there are options for conjunctivitis treatment in Worcester that can help with the recovery.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:
- One or both of your eyes start looking red
- One or both of your eyes feel itchy
- One or both of your eyes feel gritty
- One or both of your eyes start tearing up
- One or both of your eyes produce a wet discharge at night
- You have trouble opening your eyes in the morning because of crust formations
Causes of Conjunctivitis:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Allergic reactions
- Irritation from a chemical splash in the eyes
- Irritation from a foreign object entering the eyes
- Blocked tear ducts (only in babies)
The Diagnosis & Treatment of Conjunctivitis
If you notice redness in your eyes, please contact our eye doctors for a diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, eye doctors can diagnose conjunctivitis after asking some questions about your symptoms or a simple visual examination. But if you have extreme symptoms of conjunctivitis, the doctor may also take a culture to identify bacterial infections. Conjunctivitis treatment in Worcester usually consists of managing the symptoms, but some individuals may need antibiotic eye drops or antiviral medications.
Conjunctivitis FAQs
How much does conjunctivitis evaluation and treatment cost in Worcester, MA?
The overall cost depends on whether prescription medication, specialized cultures, or follow-up visits are required, as well as your individual health insurance coverage. We recommend contacting Medical Surgical Eye Institute directly to verify your insurance coverage and receive precise pricing details.
How long is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis remain contagious as long as you experience active tearing, discharge, or eye redness. Bacterial pink eye is generally no longer contagious 24 hours after starting prescribed antibiotic drops, while viral versions can spread for 7 to 12 days until symptoms fully resolve.
Can I continue wearing contact lenses while I have red eye?
No. You should stop wearing contact lenses immediately at the first sign of eye redness or discharge. Wearing contacts with conjunctivitis traps pathogens against your cornea, increasing the risk of serious corneal ulcers. Resume wearing lenses only after your ophthalmologist confirms the infection has fully cleared.
When can I return to work or school after developing pink eye?
You can usually return to work or school once active eye discharge stops, redness decreases, and 24 hours of prescribed antibiotic treatment have passed for bacterial infections. Maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your eyes prevents spreading the infection to others.
Schedule an Appointment
Medical Surgical Eye Institute is a state-of-the-art eye care provider specializing in cutting-edge diagnostic solutions and treatments for all vision problems. We take a proactive (rather than reactive) approach to your ocular health by addressing all vision problems at the earliest stage possible. If you notice the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis, please schedule an appointment to explore your conjunctivitis treatment options in Worcester, MA.
