Vision Care Services

Pink Eye & Red Eye

Red eyes, looked at properly.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is one of the most common reasons people call us, but not every red eye is pink eye. Allergies, dry eye, a broken blood vessel, an infection of the cornea and inflammation inside the eye can all look similar, and they need different treatment.

A same-day exam under our slit lamp microscope tells you what it is, whether it is contagious and what will clear it up.

Get seen today if a red eye comes with pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, a recent injury, or if you wear contact lenses.

Viral pink eyeWatery, red and gritty, often with a cold. Very contagious, and antibiotics do not help.

Bacterial pink eyeThick yellow or green discharge and crusted lashes. Treated with prescription antibiotic drops.

Allergic pink eyeItchy, watery eyes in both eyes, often with sneezing. Not contagious. Treated with allergy drops.

Other causes of a red eye

Broken blood vessel (subconjunctival hemorrhage): a bright red patch that looks alarming but is usually harmless and fades in one to two weeks.
Dry eye: redness that comes and goes with burning or a gritty feeling. Dry eye treatment.
Corneal infection or ulcer: pain and redness, often in contact lens wearers. This is urgent. Eye infections.
Uveitis or iritis: a deep ache, redness around the colored part of the eye and light sensitivity. Uveitis and iritis.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma: a painful red eye with halos, headache or nausea. This is an emergency. Glaucoma.

How we treat it

Treatment depends on the cause: prescription antibiotic drops for bacterial infections, allergy drops for allergic pink eye, and comfort care and close follow-up for viral pink eye. Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day.

Keep it from spreading

Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes.
Do not share towels, pillowcases or eye makeup, and replace eye makeup you used while infected.
Stop wearing contact lenses until your doctor says it is safe, and use a fresh pair and case.
We will tell you when it is safe to return to work, school or daycare.

Common questions

Is pink eye contagious?

Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious. Allergic pink eye is not. An exam tells you which kind you have and how long to take precautions.

Do I need antibiotic eye drops?

Only for bacterial pink eye. Antibiotics do not help viral or allergic pink eye, which is why an exam matters.

Do you treat pink eye in children?

Yes. Our doctors see children of all ages for pink eye and other eye problems, and we will tell you when your child can return to school or daycare.

I wear contact lenses and my eye is red. What should I do?

Take your lenses out, do not put them back in, and call us the same day. Red, painful eyes in contact lens wearers can be a corneal infection, which needs prompt treatment. Bring your lenses and case. Eye infections.

Is a bright red spot on my eye dangerous?

A painless bright red patch is usually a broken blood vessel and fades on its own in one to two weeks. Call us if it keeps happening, follows an injury, or comes with pain or vision changes.