Was I misdiagnosed with viral pink eye?

Answered February 28, 2012 10:36. Without the specialty magnifiers that ophthalmologists have available, it is very hard to make an accurate diagnosis of the eye. Other possibilities would include a foreign body or an allergic reaction. The problem with erythromycin ointment is that it will blur your vision. I recommend an examination by an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis and then the use of tears and cold compresses will make you feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, we do not have any medication to reduce the length of the infection. The most important thing is to use good handwashing and to not contaminate others.

Answered February 22, 2012 07:57. It can be tough to tell the difference, but recent cold symptoms are usually a good clue. Usually, viral pink eye involves both eyes, but usually one follows the other by a couple of days. Erythromycin is an antibiotic, and you are right, it wont work against a virus, but most of us still prescribe something to ease symptoms, and make sure that you don't get a bacterial infection on top of the virus.

Sometimes it helps to see an ophthalmologist, since our microscopes let us see things that a primary care doc can't see, even with the blacklight. There are some subtle things that can help differentiate viral from bacterial. In the meantime, use the E'mycin, and wash your hands a LOT!! Don't shake hands with anyone, don't share towels or pillows...try not to spread this around!