Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, can happen to people of all ages, but it is most common in children. Normally, pink eye goes away within two weeks. Those are normal cases. In other cases, you need to see an eye doctor right away, not just an MD in the ER or at Urgent Care.
Let’s take a look at a few scenarios that would require professional attention.
If a Chemical Caused the Pink Eye
It is normal for soap or shampoo to irritate your eyes. However, if something else has gotten in your eyes, such as house cleaners, paint, or pesticides, you need to get to an eye doctor right away. If something gets into your child’s eyes, then take your child for pediatric eye care immediately. Many chemicals can cause blindness.
If the Patient is a Newborn Baby
Pink eye in newborn babies is usually due to a tear duct that has not opened completely. Sometimes, the tear duct will open on its own. An eye doctor that is familiar with pediatric eye care will show you how to massage on your baby’s eye to help open the tear duct.
Intense Pain
Pink eye is painful, but it should not be crippling. If it is, contact your family eye doctor right away. You should get someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
Vision Changes
A little blurring is normal when it can be resolved by rubbing the eye. However, your eye should not be blurry all of the time. You should also not see flashes, halos, vision loss, or double vision.
Pink Eye Complications
In rare cases, pink eye can cause blindness. This is when pink eye leads to scarring of the eye. Pink eye can also lead to other infections in the body, especially if you or your child is immunocompromised. Pink eye infections have been known to trigger potentially deadly meningitis infections.
Get Help for Your Pink Eye in Maple Grove, Minnesota!
If you are experiencing pink eye or have a child dealing with pink eye, call our team today at 763-420-5112 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
