With the excitement of back to school also comes the reality that the schools are basically pools of germs and infections – being passed from student to student. One of the most commonly seen culprits is pinkeye (also called conjunctivitis) which is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen.
Pinkeye is very common. It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Most cases of pinkeye are caused by:
- Infections caused by viruses or bacteria
- Dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind and sun
- Chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis)
- Allergies
“Conjunctivitis comes in many forms, and each needs to be treated differently,” says Dr. Samantha Bourdeau, Chestermere Doctor of Optometry. “Certain types of conjunctivitis can develop into a more serious condition that may harm your eyes and affect your vision.”
Dr. Bourdeau warns that many of the symptoms people associate with pink eye can also point to other, more serious eye health problems. One example is uveitis, a condition that causes significant inflammation in the eye and can point to a serious underlying health problem. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss.
“Many eye conditions present in a similar fashion, but they have different causes and treatments,” says Dr. Bourdeau. “Under the microscope, optometrists can differentiate between a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergic reaction, and can prescribe the appropriate medication. Without access to this kind of instrumentation, we would essentially have to make the diagnosis in the dark.”
The best way for patients to ensure they are getting the proper diagnosis and treatment, is to see their Doctor of Optometry right away. Yet, a recent survey commissioned by the Alberta Association of Optometrists found that only 26 per cent of Albertans would visit their optometrist if they had red, itchy eyes. Most people (54 per cent) said they would go to their family doctor, and according to Alberta Health, 8,232 Albertans visited emergency rooms in 2014 seeking treatment for conjunctivitis.
Many Albertans don’t realize that emergency visits to an optometrist are covered by Alberta Health Care. That includes eye infections such as pink eye, eye injuries or foreign objects in the eye. A referral is not needed, and most optometrists will see patients on the same day when it’s an emergency.
“If you had a toothache, you’d likely go to the dentist. So when you have a problem with your eyes, go straight to your optometrist.” says Dr. Bourdeau. “Why take any chances.”
For more information, visit www.optometrists.ab.ca.
