Pink Eye Emergency Concerns (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious viral or bacterial infection of the eye. The condition isn’t a serious threat to your health, but it spreads easily if not treated correctly. Typically, the condition resolves itself within 1 to 2 weeks, but you should make every effort to prevent the spread of the infection and alleviate the symptoms.

To prevent the spread of pink eye, you should always wash your hands, especially after touching the area around the eye. If you experience itching, you can use a warm cloth compress, which should lessen your symptoms. As a last resort, you can wash the eyes with saline solution or use an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop to reduce swelling and itching.

If you’re concerned about an infection, Dr. Alexandra Chebil is available to evaluate you in the office or using our virtual online (telemedicine) option.

Object or Debris in the Eye

Dust, eyelashes, and random debris can get into your eye without warning. Thankfully, your eye’s natural defense system of creating excess tears and moisture can usually clear the object without any problem. But if the object is a bit stubborn, you’re left in an uncomfortable predicament, but you can still remove the debris without heading to the hospital.

Before you remove the object from your eye, avoid the urge to rub it. Doing so can result in a scratch on the eye known as a corneal abrasion. Start the removal process by washing your hands. Then, move the upper or lower eyelids to locate the object. Use a damp cotton ball or eye drops to help remove the debris, and hopefully, this should solve the issue.

New Contact Lenses

Over 45 million people in the United States wear contacts, so running out during the Covid-19 will be a common occurrence. While online ordering should solve the issue for most people, those who need a new prescription will have a more difficult time.

As such, the American Optometric Association recommends that contact wearers switch to glasses for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak. If you run out of contacts and don’t have a prescription, contact us immediately.  We have a supply of contact lenses and we can get them to you without leaving your home.

Although you should be able to treat the emergencies listed above, don’t hesitate to call us because our practice is considered essential and we are here for you.

Excessive trauma to the eye without quick, proper care can lead to permanent vision problems or a loss of vision. Always use your best judgment, and if you’re able to take care of the issue at home, do so. Otherwise, make sure to contact us for immediate attention relating to any eye emergency concerns.