Eye Emergency in ? When should you seek medical attention for pink eye?

One of the common questions about pink eye is “is pink eye an emergency?”, many patients want to know if they can wait it out or need to schedule an emergency eye exam.

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If you have pink eye you may be wondering if you can just wait it out or if you need to schedule an emergency eye exam immediately. Often times patients will tell us that they waited for hours on the weekend at the emergency room or urgent care for pink eye, because they were unsure if it could wait until we opened. As a general rule we have more experience and technology than a normal urgent care or emergency room and should be the first place to call if you are concerned about any potential eye emergency. 

While generally speaking pink eye is not an emergency, there are several situations in which you should seek medical attention for the pink eye as soon as possible:

  • If you have severe redness, swelling, or discharge that is not improving after a few days of home care.
  • If you have vision loss or extreme sensitivity to light.
  • If you have a compromised immune system, such as from cancer treatment or HIV/AIDS.
  • If you have diabetes or another chronic health condition that affects your eyes.
  • If you have pink eye in both eyes that is impacting your vision
  • If you have pink eye and are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, headache, or pain in the eye These may be signs of a more serious eye condition that requires immediate treatment. 

In these cases, you can reach out to us right away to schedule an emergency eye exam at (360) 491-2121 and if we are unavailable please visit a 24 hour emergency eye care center or emergency room.

What should you do if you have pink eye that is not in need of an emergency eye exam? 

We always encourage you to call our office at (360) 491-2121 before making a decision regarding the urgency to schedule an emergency eye exam. However as a general rule most cases of pink eye are not urgent, and do not require a trip to the emergency room (ER) or urgent care, however your eyes should be seen by our optometrist to reduce the possibility of any complications. If you have pink eye please call us at (360) 491-2121 to schedule an eye exam and we will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible.

American Family Vision Clinic

Symptoms of pink eye

Pink eye may cause the following symptoms:

  • Redness in the affected eye or eyes
  • Itching in the affected eye or eyes
  • Swelling of the affected eye or eyes
  • Discharge from the affected eye or eyes (can be clear, yellow, or green in color)
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Burning sensation in the affected eye or eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Crusting of the eyelashes or eyelids
  • Swelling of the eyelids

The symptoms of pink eye may differ depending on the underlying cause. For instance, bacterial pink eye typically involves a thick, yellow, or green discharge, while allergic pink eye often involves itchy, watery eyes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment from our qualified optometrist. To schedule an appointment, you can call (360) 491-2121.

Do you need to visit the ER or Urgent care if you have pink eye?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pink eye is one of the most common eye infections in the United States, with an estimated 6 million cases occurring each year. While some people think that visiting the ER or urgent care is a good idea, it is actually an optometrist that has the most experience and equipment to help you diagnose and treat your pink eye. If you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye, don't wait at the ER or urgent care to get medical attention, schedule an emergency eye exam with our eye doctors by calling us at  (360) 491-2121.

Do you need to visit the ER or Urgent care if you have pink eye?
What is pink eye?

What is pink eye?

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and discharge in the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. While the pink eye can be a minor inconvenience, it can also be a serious health problem if left untreated.

There are three main types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Each type requires a different treatment approach, so it is important to receive a proper diagnosis from our qualified eye doctor.

What is pink eye?

Different causes of pink eye

Pink eye is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with the eye discharge, as well as through the sharing of towels, pillows, and other personal items. Pink eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, allergies, and irritants such as smoke and chlorine.

How can I find an eye doctor for pink eye near me?

It is important to seek out a qualified and experienced eye doctor or optometrist if you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye. Our eye doctors can provide the necessary care and support to manage your eye health and maintain your vision. To find an eye doctor near you, you can search online for "eye doctor for pink eye near me" or "optometrist for pink eye near me", ask for recommendations from friends or family, or consult with your primary care doctor for a referral. Patients searching for emergency eye exams visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of emergency eye care services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

Do you need to visit the ER or Urgent care if you have pink eye?

Common Questions

Yes, pink eye can be cured with proper treatment. Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, while viral pink eye usually goes away on its own within a few days to a week. Allergic pink eye can be managed with antihistamine eye drops or other allergy medications. Don't let pink eye go untreated – call us today at (360) 491-2121 to schedule an appointment and get on the path to better eye health.
In most cases, pink eye is not a serious health problem and will resolve on its own with proper treatment. However, it can be a serious issue for those with compromised immune systems or underlying eye conditions. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe symptoms or if your pink eye is not improving after a few days of home care. If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of pink eye, it's essential to seek medical attention. To schedule an appointment, please call (360) 491-2121.
Eye Emergency in Olympia?  When should you seek medical attention for pink eye?
Dr. Zurcher cartoon

Schedule an emergency eye exam for pink eye near you in Olympia

If you are experiencing symptoms of pink eye, it is always ideal to have it seen by our optometrist and not wait to seek medical attention. A comprehensive eye exam from our optometrist can help diagnose the cause of your pink eye and provide the proper treatment to help you feel better and get back to your normal routine. Don't let pink eye go untreated, call today to schedule an eye exam in Olympia and get the care you need. Patients searching for advanced medical eye care for pink eye visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services including pink eye treatment for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

Testimonials


Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.


Anna P.

I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.


June S.

Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.


Christine R.

Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.


Lars Wulff

Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.


Justin E.

The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.


Amy Fagerness
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