Ocular Problems
DR. BATTANI CAN TREAT OCULAR PROBLEMS LIKE BELOW AS WELL.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Red Eye
Dry Eye
Corneal Abrasions / foreign body removal
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the upper and lower eyelid). The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic, and bacterial. Each requires a different treatment, which can be easily differentiated by clinical signs and symptoms and the use of a bio-microscope. A colored dye and a colored filter attached to the (slit-lamp) allow the trained eye to make the appropriate diagnosis and then prescribe the correct treatment for rapid resolution of the condition.
A general practitioner such as a family medical doctor is not the best option for treatment when seeking a consult for red eyes. Although they may have the necessary knowledge, they most likely would not have the proper equipment to treat and diagnose these conditions.
3 MOST COMMON TYPES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS AND SYMPTOMS
1. Viral Conjunctivitis
- Red Eye
- Irritation
- Watery Discharge
- Infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the other eye
2. Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Itching
- Tearing
- Swollen eyelids
- Usually affects both eyes
3. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Redness
- Tearing
- Stringy discharge that may cause the lids to stick together, especially after sleeping
- Swelling of the conjuctiva
- Irritation
- Usually affects only one eye, but may spread easily to the other eye
Contagious or not?
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, however, bacterial and viral forms of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, traveling through entire schools or daycare centers in a matter of a few days. It is important to have yourself or your child evaluated as soon as symptoms arise so that the proper treatment can be initiated promptly. Untreated ocular infections can lead to permanent corneal scarring and are potentially sight threatening if not dealt with expediently.
