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.

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