Eye trouble

[crazeputter]

I woke up this morning and my right eye was watering and a really bad burning behind my right eye. I flushed it out with water but had no luck stopping the burning. I was wondering if this could be pink eye or something else? Please advise, thanks in advance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Thanks for writing in this forum.

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it sounds like conjunctivitis.It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva.

You should a apply cool compresses to soothe itching, apply warm soaks to soften crusts on the eyelids and lashes, then gently wipe the eyes with a soft gauze pad. Taking antihistamine eye drops and refrigerated artificial tears also help. Avoid touching the unaffected eye and refrain from sharing pillows, wash cloths, eye drops, or eye makeup with others. You can also get culture and sensitivity studies to identify infectious organisms.If it is bacterial conjunctivitis,then antibiotics may be needed.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult an eye specialist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.

[lucidus]

It could be anything.  Make sure you keep your hands away from your other eye and plan on getting an eye person to look at it or at least a walk in clinic TODAY if you can.  

If it is contagious like pink eye (infectious conjunctivitis) you do not want to spread it to others.

If it is an inflammation, you do not want more damage in anything that is "behind" your eye.

If it is a retinal problem you don't want to delay.

If it is a chemical, you need a better saline flush than what you did...  

If you can't find an urgent care qualified Optometrist or eye clinic that is open, get over to an urgent care, walk in or ER.

Please have someone else drive : )

Feel better.