Doctor Dennis Perry at McLaren Greater Lansing Primary Care is seeing more cases of viral conjunctivitis.
Symptoms include redness in the whites of the eyes, watery eyes and a thick discharge that can seal the eyelids shut overnight. Itchy, burning eyes and blurred vision are also common.
The virus that causes pink eye can also cause cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia and diarrhea. For viral pink eye, you just have to let it run its course.
Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts a week or so. Over-the-counter eye drops can help relieve the symptoms. Bacterial pink eye requires antibiotics.
Regardless of which kind of pink eye you get, don't wear contacts while you have it. Any disposables you were wearing should be thrown out and a new set should be used when the infection is gone.
The same goes for mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow.
Pink eye is extremely contagious so don't share any linens with someone who has it and make sure to wash your hands often.
