Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment Clinic in Rockville, MD

An urgent care clinic can effectively treat pink eye, especially for those who need immediate care but are unable to see their primary care doctor. Urgent care clinics are equipped to handle a variety of non-emergency medical issues, including pink eye. When you visit an urgent care clinic, a healthcare provider will examine you to determine the cause of your pink eye, whether it’s viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant-induced. Based on the diagnosis, they can recommend over-the-counter or prescription treatments.

For viral conjunctivitis, urgent care providers typically focus on symptom relief, as antibiotics are not effective for viral infections. They may recommend OTC eye drops or cold compresses to reduce irritation and discomfort. In the case of bacterial pink eye, a healthcare provider at the clinic can prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Allergic conjunctivitis can also be treated at an urgent care clinic with prescription antihistamines or anti-inflammatory eye drops. If your symptoms are severe or if you are unsure of the cause, an urgent care clinic like Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, is an excellent option for timely and convenient care. Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, and our team are here to evaluate your symptoms and provide the right treatment for a fast recovery.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a common condition that causes inflammation in the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants and is characterized by a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you seek appropriate treatment and prevent the condition from spreading to others.

Symptoms of Pink Eye:

• Redness or a pinkish tint in the eye
• Itchy or burning sensation in the eye
• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eye
• Excessive tearing or watery discharge
• Thick, yellow-green discharge (common with bacterial pink eye)
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Crustiness or eyelid stickiness, especially upon waking
• Clear, watery discharge (common with allergic or viral pink eye)
• Swollen lymph nodes near the ears in some cases

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, and our caring team are here to provide prompt and effective care to relieve your symptoms and promote a swift recovery.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be caused by several factors, including viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant-related triggers. The most common cause of pink eye is viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious and often associated with respiratory infections, such as the common cold. Viral pink eye typically causes watery discharge, redness, and irritation. It is most often spread through direct contact with infected eye secretions or contaminated surfaces, making it important to practice good hygiene to prevent transmission.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is another leading cause of pink eye. It occurs when bacteria infect the conjunctiva, resulting in symptoms like thick, yellow-green discharge and eye discomfort. Bacterial pink eye is also contagious and can spread through contact with infected hands, towels, or other personal items. This type of pink eye can usually be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eye reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. It is common during allergy season and often affects both eyes simultaneously. Symptoms include itching, redness, watery discharge, and swelling of the eyelids. Irritant-induced pink eye can be caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or pollutants. In these cases, the irritation usually resolves once the irritant is removed. At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, can help identify the cause of your pink eye and provide appropriate treatment.

Whether you need a prescription for pink eye depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Viral conjunctivitis, which is the most common type of pink eye, typically does not require a prescription. Since it is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective, and the infection often resolves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks with proper care. Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops or artificial tears can help soothe symptoms such as irritation and dryness, but a prescription is generally unnecessary unless there are complications.

In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, a prescription for antibiotic eye drops or ointments is often needed to eliminate the infection. Bacterial pink eye is caused by bacteria, and these medications help to clear the infection more quickly and prevent it from spreading. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, a healthcare provider may also prescribe oral antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis is another common cause of pink eye and may require prescription antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops to relieve symptoms. If the allergic reaction is severe, oral antihistamines or other allergy medications may also be prescribed. At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our team will evaluate the cause of your pink eye and determine whether a prescription is necessary for effective treatment.

Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, brings over 21 years of experience in providing expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, including pink eye (conjunctivitis). He understands the importance of a timely and accurate diagnosis to ensure the right treatment plan, whether your pink eye is caused by a bacterial, viral, or allergic reaction. Dr. Olisemeka uses the latest medical techniques to treat pink eye effectively, ensuring that you receive the best care for rapid relief and recovery. His comprehensive approach focuses on both treating the condition and preventing its spread, ensuring optimal care and a smooth recovery process.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, Dr. Olisemeka and his compassionate team are dedicated to delivering personalized and high-quality care in a comfortable and professional environment. His patient-centered approach ensures that each patient’s individual needs are met, and he takes the time to explain the treatment options and aftercare instructions in detail. With Dr. Olisemeka’s expertise and commitment to eye health, you can trust that you’ll receive the highest level of care for pink eye, helping you get back to your daily routine quickly and comfortably.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.