Do I Have Pink Eye Conjunctivitis?

Many patients call us Alabama Eye & Cataract Center and are hoping that we can tell them over the phone whether their red, itchy eyes are because they have “pink eye” of conjunctivitis. The fact is that without coming in for an external eye exam it is difficult if not impossible to tell. But when you do come in, the doctors certainly know what to look for. There are a number of signs and symptoms that help us determine if you have “pink eye” or conjunctivitis.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

If you have a bacterial infection causing pink eye conjunctivitis, you will usually have very red eyes. You may find crusting on your eyelids that can make them stick together as well as a heavy, pus-like discharge from your eyes that may be greenish at times. This infection may spread to both eyes.

Viral Conjunctivitis

If you have a viral conjunctivitis we often will find a very red, swollen eye, crusty eyelids and a more watery discharge. This discharge can also have strands of mucus or white, ropy strands. While many cases of viral pink eye infect only one eye, this infection can also spread to the other eye.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

If you have an allergic conjunctivitis and your allergies are causing your conjunctivitis, it will often look similar to viral conjunctivitis. Your eyes will be red and tearing. However, they will also be itchy. It is likely you may have a stuffy, runny or itchy nose as well.

Treatment of Pink Eye Conjunctivitis

For most types of pink eye conjunctivitis the treatment is basically supportive. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections but do work well in treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Regardless of the cause, it is important to minimize exposure of others by washing your hands frequently and throwing away used tissues. Do not share towels or pillow cases. Consider staying home from work or school until you are symptom-free for 24 hours. If you are a contact lens wearer, you should discontinue their use and stick with glasses until your infection clears. Then start with a fresh pair of lenses and a clean lens case.

If you or someone you know is concerned about having a pink eye conjunctivitis, please schedule an external eye exam at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.

Cataract Risk with Obesity

High Body Mass Index (BMI) with obesity or even being overweight is known to be an increased risk factor for a number of diseases and conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, a range of other cardiovascular diseases and joint and orthopedic problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a normal weight with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-<25 kg/m², excess body weight as BMI of 25-<30 kg/m², and obesity as BMI of ≥30 kg/m^2.

Until now, any relationship between BMI and risk of cataract development has been controversial and not completely obvious.

Research on BMI & Cataract Development

 By using Meta Analysis and powerful statistical methods researchers found that being overweight or obese were significantly associated with an increased risk of cataracts, especially those called “posterior subcapsular cataracts” which typically cause the greatest vision decline. This relationship was independent of sex, alcohol intake, diabetes and hypertension.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts and being overweight or even obese based on Body Mass Index (BMI) please share this information with them and ask them to schedule a cataract evaluation at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/MichelsonLaserVision to schedule an appointment.

Alabama Eye & Cataract is located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine Cataract Surgeons Marc Michelson, M.D. and Tyler Hall, M.D. who perform Laser Cataract Surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital.

Cornea Specialists on Eye Safety for July 4th

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center cornea specialists Marc Michelson, M.D. and Tyler Hall, M.D. offered important advice on fireworks eye safety for the July 4^th holiday. In general the best way to enjoy the fireworks this July 4^th, is to leave their use and display to professionals trained and prepared to handle pyrotechnic displays. Eye safety is pretty critical with fireworks displays as we know that eye injuries are the second most frequent injury we see from emergency room each July 4^th weekend. Especially for children, the best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with any fireworks. Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. However, if an eye accident does occur, there are a few things you should know:

• Do Not Rub the Eye.
• Do Not Attempt to Rinse. Out the Eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
• Do Not Apply Pressure to the Eye Itself-but DO protect the eye from further contact with any item, including the person’s hand.
• Do NOT Stop for Medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the person to the emergency room at once.
• Do NOT Apply Ointments or Drops. They may not be sterile and may make the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

Once you are seen in the emergency room please feel free to have them call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930 as we always have an eye doctor “on call” to provide consultation and continued care for you.

If you or someone you know wishes to learn more about fireworks eye safety, please share this information with them and ask them to schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205