Can a sinus infection cause pink eye? Yes, it can. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of pink eye.
Pink eye is a common and treatable eye condition for all ages. Each year, approximately 3 million people in the U.S. get pink eye.
Luckily, pink eyes are simple to treat. It’s rare to have any lasting effects, but there is a slight chance it could indicate a more serious issue.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink Eye, mostly known as Conjunctivitis, is an inflammatory condition of the membrane that lines eyelids and covers the sclera, the white part of the eye. It is highly contagious and is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections.
Pink Eye cause,
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Redness of the membranes inside the eyes
- Accumulation of a clear, white, yellow, or greenish gooey liquid in the eyes
- Blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light.
How Can A Sinus Infection Cause Pink Eye?
There is an important connection between sinus infection and pink eye.
Only a layer of bone separates your sinuses from your brain. It’s not likely, but if a sinus infection passes through the bone, it can infect the lining of the brain or the brain itself.
It’s uncommon, but a sinus infection could spread into the eye socket, causing an infection that could cause blindness.
How to Treat Pink Eye?
The reality is that if you have a pink eye or maybe one of your family members does it’s actually best to take them in to see the eye doctor because your eye doctor has both the tools and the training to appropriately make the right diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Bacterial Pink Eye
In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, doctors often prescribe antibiotics because it’s a bacterial infection, and antibiotics work effectively.
Viral Pink Eye
For viral conjunctivitis, prescribing antibiotics doesn’t help because viruses don’t respond to antibiotics. Doctors typically treat the symptoms with cold compresses and artificial tears to make you more comfortable.
Some doctors may prescribe steroid eye drops, but this is debated in medicine because, while steroids can relieve symptoms, they may also prolong the infectious period of the virus.
Allergic Pink Eye
In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, doctors often prescribe antihistamine eye drops, possibly along with oral antihistamine medication and cold compresses.
Severe Cases of Pink Eye
Certain types of pink eye, like those caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, and the herpes simplex virus, can be severe. These infections can cause permanent scarring on the eye, leading to permanent vision loss.
Final Thoughts
I hope you now have a clear answer to the question, “Can a sinus infection cause pink eye?” Yes, a sinus infection can lead to pink eye, especially if the infection spreads to the eyes.
Understanding the connection between sinus infection and pink eye can help you seek timely and appropriate treatment.
If you are experiencing sinus problems or symptoms of a sinus infection, don’t wait. Reach out to Integrum Urgent Care, where you can be confident in receiving effective and prompt treatment.
Taking care of your sinus health can also help prevent complications like pink eye. Stay proactive about your health and ensure you receive the best care possible.