Eye Infection Treatment in Cape May Court House, NJ
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious eye infection that frequently affects children but can spread rapidly among people of all ages. Whenever the area around an infected eye is touched, the virus or bacterium can be transferred easily to the hand and then to others through direct contact.
Frequent handwashing and good hygiene are essential to preventing the spread of pink eye and other illnesses. If an eye infection develops, it is important to seek professional medical attention to determine the cause and prevent complications, such as corneal inflammation and blurred vision.
If you need help managing an eye infection, you can visit Cape Regional Urgent Care in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, for prompt evaluation and effective treatment if needed. Our experienced team is available every day to help you feel better and protect those around you.
How Is an Eye Infection Treated?
Treatment for an eye infection can vary depending on the cause. Rhinoviruses are highly prevalent—especially during the cold winter months—and are often responsible for viral illnesses, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and conjunctivitis. In addition to red, itchy, and watery eyes, viral pink eye may be accompanied by cold-like symptoms, such as a sore throat and runny nose. In many cases, the infection will clear up on its own within a week or two.
On the other hand, bacterial pink eye is caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Compared to a viral eye infection, a bacterial eye infection may cause more severe symptoms, such as swelling around the infected eye, yellow or gray eye discharge, and a crusty buildup on the lash line. Usually, prescription antibiotic treatment, such as eye drops, ointment, or oral medication, is needed to resolve the infection.
Until an eye infection goes away, it is best to avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup. Some people find it helpful to place a warm, damp cloth over their eyes while resting. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and artificial tears can also be used if needed; however, redness-reducing eye drops could worsen the symptoms of an eye infection and therefore should be avoided.
More Serious Causes of Eye Pain
If eye pain develops after a head or eye injury, or the pain is accompanied by sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or other visual disturbances, the issue could be more serious than an eye infection, such as a foreign object or chemical in the eye, detached retina, or scratch or cut on the eyeball or eyelid. Therefore, it is essential to go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room for appropriate care.
At Cape Regional Urgent Care, our experienced medical team is available every day to provide non-emergency eye infection treatment and other urgent care services. Visit our conveniently located walk-in health clinic in Cape May Court House, NJ, today. To save even more time, try our optional online check-in system and start the registration process before you leave home.
