Pink eye is an eye condition that becomes very irritating to the eyes if not treated.  This condition requires appropriate treatment to clear it up effectively. Contact Vivid Vision in Fort Saskatchewan for optometry care if you are suffering from the symptoms of pink eye. Here is some information about this ailment to read over so you recognize the signs of this condition, know how to avoid catching it, and find out how our optometrist can help if you do.

What is Pink Eye (Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis-EKC)? 

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and sometimes of the cornea caused by a virus (adenovirus). Pink eye is an acute infection of the eye, and is extremely contagious. It can last as long as a month.

How is pink eye spread? 

Pink eye occurs mostly in places of close human contact, such as schools, hospitals and office environments. It can be transmitted indirectly through touch contact with items contaminated with eye secretions, in water, or even as an aerosol. However the most common way it develops is by direct contact with tears or other fluids from infected eyes.

What are the symptoms of pink eye? 

People with pink eye usually complain of a sudden onset of eye redness, irritation, soreness, light sensitivity and excessive tearing. Some people with the infection say that it feels like a piece of sand or foreign body is in the eye. This irritation can be due to punctate keratitis, a condition in which vision becomes blurred due to divots or irregularities forming on the surface of the cornea. Both the eye and eyelid can become swollen. The viral infection usually involves one eye first, and then eventually infects the other eye. After the infection subsides, sub-epithelial infiltrates may form, which are grey to white cloudy spots that form in the cornea as a result of an immune reaction to the virus. People with pink eye may have significantly blurred vision for several days.