Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment in Chicago, IL
Pink eye — medically known as conjunctivitis — is one of the most common and contagious eye conditions, affecting people of all ages. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists provide prompt diagnosis and effective treatment for all types of conjunctivitis, helping you get relief quickly and preventing the spread to others. If you suspect pink eye, call us today for a same-day or next-day appointment.
request an appointmentWhat Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the blood vessels within it dilate and become more visible, giving the eye its characteristic pink or red appearance. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes and is caused by bacterial, viral, allergic, or fungal factors, each requiring a different treatment approach.
Types of Conjunctivitis & Their Treatments
Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common form, typically affecting both eyes and producing a heavy yellow or greenish discharge, along with redness, swelling, and matted eyelids in the morning. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops and typically resolves within five days. If concurrent eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) is present, a professional eyelid cleaning may also be recommended.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often associated with upper respiratory infections. It typically starts in one eye and spreads to the other within a few days. Symptoms include significant redness, watery discharge, itching, and a gritty sensation. While it usually resolves on its own, anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed to relieve discomfort.
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or cosmetics. It typically affects both eyes and causes intense itching, redness, excessive tearing, and swollen eyelids — often alongside hay fever symptoms. Treatment includes prescription or OTC allergy eye drops and antihistamines. Learn more about our ocular allergy treatments.
Fungal conjunctivitis is rare and usually occurs following prolonged antibiotic use or exposure to infected material. It causes itching, tearing, redness, and white deposits in the tear ducts, and is treated with antifungal drops or ointment.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact, shared towels, pillowcases, or makeup. If you or your child has pink eye, avoid touching the eyes, wash hands frequently, and avoid sharing personal items. Any eye cosmetics used during an infection should be discarded immediately to prevent reinfection. If you suspect conjunctivitis, call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 to be seen promptly and prevent spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
What is conjunctivitis and what causes it?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva — the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or fungi. Each type has different symptoms and requires a different treatment approach.
Is pink eye contagious?
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious. They spread through direct contact with infected secretions, shared towels or pillowcases, and touching contaminated surfaces then touching the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Call Ideal Family Eye Care promptly if you suspect pink eye to get a proper diagnosis and prevent spreading.
How do I know what type of pink eye I have?
The type of conjunctivitis can often be identified by its specific symptoms — bacterial pink eye produces thick yellow/green discharge; viral produces watery discharge and is often accompanied by a cold; allergic causes intense itching and is usually seasonal. Only a professional evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care can confirm the type and determine the right treatment.
How is bacterial pink eye treated?
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops prescribed by our optometrists at Ideal Family Eye Care. Most cases resolve within 5 days of starting treatment. If you also have blepharitis or lid inflammation, eyelid hygiene treatments may be added to your plan.
Can pink eye go away on its own?
Viral conjunctivitis often resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks, though anti-inflammatory drops can help with discomfort. Bacterial conjunctivitis benefits significantly from antibiotic drops to speed resolution and prevent spreading. Allergic conjunctivitis requires treatment of the underlying allergy. We recommend seeing a provider at Ideal Family Eye Care for accurate diagnosis.
What should I do if my child has pink eye?
Keep your child home from school to avoid spreading the infection, avoid sharing towels or pillowcases, wash hands frequently, and call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 to schedule an evaluation. Our team will determine the type of conjunctivitis and prescribe the appropriate treatment to get your child feeling better quickly.
How do I schedule a pink eye appointment at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 for a prompt appointment. We see pink eye cases quickly as part of our emergency eye care services and will get you the right treatment as fast as possible.