Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment in Singapore
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids. It usually causes a red or pink eye with watery or yellow discharge, and it can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Because the cause determines the right treatment, an accurate diagnosis matters.
What causes conjunctivitis?
Eye infections are common, especially in young children. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and passes easily through contact — between children in daycare, or between a child and parent. It typically presents as a pink eye with yellow or watery discharge.
Contact lens wearers and the risk of eye infection
Contact lens wearers are at higher risk of infections that are more serious than simple conjunctivitis. The bacteria behind contact lens-related infections can cause greater damage, such as a corneal ulcer, and can be more resistant to treatment. To lower your risk:
- Clean and disinfect your lenses exactly as instructed by your optometrist, as part of good contact lens care.
- Avoid contact with tap water or other potential sources of contamination.
- Consider daily-disposable lenses, which are discarded after each use and carry a lower risk of contamination.
Other types of red or pink eye
Not every red eye is bacterial conjunctivitis. Other acute red or pink eye conditions include:
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Viral keratitis (including eye "cold sores")
- Seasonal (hay fever) or allergic conjunctivitis
- A foreign body in the eye
- Inflamed eye
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage
Treatment can vary greatly depending on the cause, so our optometrists are trained to diagnose and differentiate between the different kinds of red eye presentation.
Why see an optometrist for a pink eye?
As a primary eye care provider, an optometrist is well-placed to examine and assess the front of the eye closely. Our optometrist is qualified to detect and identify most eye infections and causes of pink eye. General practitioners (GPs) do an excellent job caring for your general health, and many will prescribe Chlorsig — a common broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drop — as a first response to a pink eye. In some cases a different or more specific treatment may be more appropriate, so we are happy to work alongside your GP to find the most suitable option for your condition. A comprehensive eye examination lets us assess your eyes thoroughly.
Book an appointment for a pink eye
If you or your child has a pink eye, see an optometrist as soon as possible. Book an appointment at EMME Visioncare at The Cathay, beside Dhoby Ghaut MRT.
Frequently asked questions about pink eye
Is pink eye contagious?
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both contagious and spread easily through contact with the eyes, hands, or shared items. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Washing hands often and avoiding touching the eyes helps limit the spread.
How do I know if my pink eye is bacterial, viral, or allergic?
It is difficult to tell these apart by appearance alone, and the right treatment differs for each. An optometrist can examine your eye and help identify the likely cause so you receive appropriate care.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?
Stop wearing your contact lenses while the eye is red or irritated, and resume only once your optometrist confirms it has fully recovered. Continuing to wear lenses can worsen an infection.
Should I see an optometrist or a GP for a red eye?
An optometrist is a primary eye care provider equipped to examine the front of the eye in detail and differentiate between causes of red eye. We can also liaise with your GP where medical treatment is needed.