MEDICAL EYE CARE
The right treatment starts with the cause.
Redness can accompany irritation, infection, or allergy. Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. An examination helps guide treatment.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Viral, bacterial, or allergic
IMPORTANT CLUE
Pain or reduced vision
CARE GOAL
Treat the cause and limit spread
On this page: When a red eye needs attention · Examination before medication · Treatment options · Recovery & protecting others
When a red eye needs attention
Redness with pain, light sensitivity, persistent blurred vision, or worsening symptoms needs medical assessment. A newborn with pink-eye symptoms should be seen right away. Contact lens wearers should tell the clinician about lens use.
When you call, describe the start of symptoms, discharge, recent illness, exposures, and any vision change. This helps the office advise you on the urgency of a visit.
Examination before medication
The clinician considers your history and examines the eye. Some situations may require a sample for laboratory testing. The purpose is to identify the cause and decide whether medication is needed.
Bring your current drops and contact lens information, and describe any treatment already tried. Ask what diagnosis is most likely and which symptoms should prompt a return call.
Treatment options
We provide medical evaluation and follow-up in Torrington. When advanced procedural care is needed, we coordinate with our selected referral and co-management network. Treatment depends on your examination.
Viral
Antibiotics do not treat viruses. Supportive care may be appropriate, while certain viral infections need specific treatment.
Bacterial
A clinician may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment when indicated. Not every red eye needs an antibiotic.
Allergic
Avoiding a trigger and selected allergy medicines or eye drops may help.
Ask about contact lens use and when it is safe to resume. Do not share eye-drop bottles.
Recovery & protecting others
Recovery varies with the cause. Many viral cases clear within one to two weeks, but some last longer. Contact your clinician if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected.
To reduce spread, wash your hands frequently, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels, makeup, eye drops, or contact lens supplies. Clean or replace lens-related items as instructed.
Before returning to usual routines, ask about contact lenses, work or school, and any follow-up needed. The recommendation should fit your diagnosis and symptoms.
Questions patients ask
Will antibiotic drops always help?
No. They are used for certain bacterial infections and do not help viral or allergic conjunctivitis.
What should prompt a call back?
Worsening symptoms, pain, sensitivity to light, or a persistent change in vision should be reassessed promptly.
PATIENT EDUCATION SOURCES
CDC: Pink eye treatment ↗ · CDC: Preventing pink eye ↗
Educational content updated September 2026. Your diagnosis and care plan require an individual examination.