Pinkeye (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Pinkeye Overview
- Pinkeye Causes
- Pinkeye Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Pinkeye Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Pinkeye - Length Symptoms Lasted
When to Seek Medical Care
Do not assume that all red, irritated, or swollen eyes are pinkeye (viral conjunctivitis). Symptoms could also be caused by seasonal allergies, a sty or a chalazion (an inflammation of the gland along the eyelid), or blepharitis (an inflammation or infection of the skin along the eyelid). These conditions are not contagious. Pinkeye, if caused by a virus, is highly contagious.
Call your ophthalmologist if any of the following symptoms develop.
- if there is yellow or green discharge from your
eye
- if you have high fever, shaking chills, facial pain,
or vision loss
- if you have severe pain in your eye when you look
into a bright light
- if the redness does not improve within two weeks
- if you have blurred vision, double vision, or see
rings of light (halos) around objects
- if you have burning during urination or discharge from the penis or vagina
Your ophthalmologist may advise you to come into the office to be seen immediately. If you cannot reach your ophthalmologist, go to the hospital's emergency department.
Next: Questions to Ask the Doctor »
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Pinkeye - Length Symptoms Lasted
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Conjunctivitis, Viral »
Viruses are a common cause of conjunctivitis in patients of all ages.

