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Red eye & pink eye treatment in Bellflower
Red eyes can be anything from allergies to an infection that needs prescription drops. An eye doctor can tell the difference and treat it fast.
Not every red eye is pink eye
Redness happens when the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye swell. Common triggers include allergies, dryness, contact lens overwear and infections, often called pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Over-the-counter “redness relief” drops can mask the problem without fixing it. We look at your eye under magnification to find the cause, so you get the right treatment the first time.
Seen by Dr. Mai in Bellflower
Most symptom visits are billed to medical insurance, including Medicare and Medi-Cal plans. Call early in the day for the best chance at a same-day visit.
What can cause red eyes?
Most causes are very treatable. A proper eye exam tells you which one you’re dealing with.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Viral, bacterial or allergic; often with discharge, itching or crusting.
Allergies
Itchy, watery, red eyes that flare with seasons, pets or dust.
Contact lens problems
Overwear or sleeping in lenses can cause redness and serious infection.
Dry eye
Irritated, gritty eyes that get red by the end of the day.
Broken blood vessel
A bright red patch, usually painless, that fades in 1–2 weeks.
Injury or something in the eye
Scratches and debris cause redness, pain and tearing.
When should you see an eye doctor?
Book an eye exam if…
- Redness lasts more than a day or two
- You have discharge, crusting or eyelids stuck together
- Your eye itches, burns or feels gritty
- You wear contact lenses and your eye is red
- A family member has pink eye
Get emergency care if…
- Severe eye pain, especially with headache or nausea
- Sudden vision loss or major blur
- A chemical splash (rinse with water for 15 minutes first)
- An injury or object stuck in the eye
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If we’re open and it isn’t life-threatening, call us right away at (562) 867-4716.
How we find the cause and treat it
Your visit is with Dr. Loi Thanh Mai. Our team speaks English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Quick history
Symptoms, contact lens use, allergies and exposure to others.
Magnified exam
We look closely at the eye surface, sometimes with a special dye.
Diagnosis
Viral, bacterial, allergic, dry eye or injury, each treated differently.
Treatment & follow-up
Prescription drops when needed, and a recheck to be sure it’s healing.
Simple steps that may help
These tips can ease mild symptoms, but they don’t replace an eye exam, especially if symptoms are new, getting worse, or affect your vision.
- Take your contact lenses out and wear glasses
- Wash hands often and don’t share towels or pillows
- Use cool compresses for itching or swelling
- Avoid “get the red out” drops unless your doctor recommends them
- Don’t rub your eyes
Red Eyes: common questions
Have a question about your symptoms? Call (562) 867-4716.
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread easily. Wash hands often, avoid touching your eyes and don’t share towels. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
Should I go to urgent care or an eye doctor for red eye?
An eye doctor has the magnifying equipment to see exactly what’s wrong. Call us first. We often see red eye the same day when we’re open.
Can I wear contacts with a red eye?
No. Remove them and bring your lenses and case to your visit. A red eye in a contact lens wearer should be checked promptly.
Does Medi-Cal or Medicare cover a red eye visit?
Red eye visits are medical visits and are typically billed to medical insurance, including Medicare and Medi-Cal plans.