Do you have a red, irritated, or watery eye? It’s probably conjunctivitis. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists can quickly determine the cause of your conjunctivitis and prescribe the appropriate treatment, often on the same day.

Is your eye very red, painful, or is your vision impaired? Our emergency eye care service in Gatineau is available 7 days a week

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people every year, from infants to the elderly.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection (viral or bacterial), an allergy, or an irritant. Although it is often mild and resolves on its own, some forms require treatment by an optometrist to prevent complications or the spread of the condition.

It is a particularly common condition in shared workplaces, daycare centers, schools, and households. In the Gatineau region, where thousands of federal employees share office spaces between Gatineau and Ottawa, viral conjunctivitis spreads quickly, especially during the cold season. If you or your child have symptoms, a prompt visit to an optometrist in Gatineau can confirm the diagnosis and prevent the spread of the infection.

The different types of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is not a single disease. There are several types, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing which type you have is essential to receiving the right treatment.

Viral conjunctivitis

This is the most common form. It is caused by a virus, often the same type of virus that causes the common cold. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and spreads easily through direct contact, sharing towels, or touching contaminated surfaces. It often affects both eyes and is frequently accompanied by cold or flu symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own within 7 to 14 days. Although there are no antibiotics effective against viruses, our optometrists in Gatineau still prescribe supportive treatment to relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery, including lubricating eye drops, cold compresses, and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory eye drops. You’ll never leave empty-handed.

Some more severe viral forms, such as adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, can affect the cornea and require closer monitoring by an optometrist.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, or Haemophilus. It is characterized by a purulent discharge (greenish-yellow) that can cause the eyelids to stick together upon waking. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious but responds well to topical antibiotics prescribed by an optometrist.

Without treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis can last longer and, in rare cases, lead to complications such as a corneal ulcer. That is why a prompt consultation with an optometrist in Gatineau is recommended.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or dust. It is not contagious and almost always affects both eyes at the same time. Intense itching is the primary symptom.

Allergic conjunctivitis is particularly common in the spring and summer in the Gatineau and Outaouais regions, when pollen counts are high. Residents of areas such as Cantley, Chelsea, Aylmer, and the neighborhoods along the Gatineau River are often more affected due to the dense surrounding vegetation.

Irritative (chemical) conjunctivitis

Caused by contact with an irritant such as a chemical, pool chlorine, smoke, shampoo, or a foreign object. It is not contagious and usually resolves once the irritant is removed and the eye is rinsed thoroughly. If the irritation persists after rinsing or if a hazardous chemical is involved, consult an optometrist in Gatineau immediately.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

Symptoms vary depending on the type of conjunctivitis, but the most common signs include:

Redness of the eye. The most noticeable symptom. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate in response to inflammation, giving the eye a pink or red appearance.

Eye discharge. Clear and watery in cases of viral and allergic conjunctivitis. Thick, yellowish-green, and pus-like in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis. The discharge may form crusts on the eyelashes overnight and cause the eyelids to stick together upon waking.

Itching. Particularly severe in allergic conjunctivitis. Resist the urge to rub your eyes, as this worsens the irritation and can spread the infection.

A sensation of grit or a foreign body. The feeling that there is something in the eye, even though there isn't. This sensation is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Excessive tearing. The eye produces more tears in response to irritation.

Sensitivity to light. Some people experience increased discomfort in bright light during an episode of conjunctivitis.

Swelling of the eyelids. The eyelids may become swollen and heavy, especially upon waking.

Conjunctivitis in Children

Conjunctivitis is extremely common among children, especially those who attend daycare or school. Children rub their eyes, share toys, and are in close contact with one another all day long, creating ideal conditions for the spread of the infection.

When should you keep your child home from school? If your child has a red eye with discharge, it’s best to keep them home until an optometrist has confirmed the diagnosis. Most daycare centers and schools in Gatineau, Hull, and Aylmer require a consultation before the child returns.

When should you seek care? See an optometrist in Gatineau if your child has a red eye that doesn’t improve within 24 hours, yellow or greenish discharge, eyelids that are stuck together upon waking, or if they complain of pain or blurred vision.

At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, we welcome children of all ages and can see them quickly thanks to our 24/7 eye emergency service. Call 819-485-1085.

Diagnosis in Gatineau

Conjunctivitis is diagnosed through a clinical examination. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists perform:

Slit-lamp examination (biomicroscope). This examination allows for a detailed view of the conjunctiva, the cornea, and the internal structures of the eye. It confirms the diagnosis and helps detect any damage to the cornea.

Assessment of the type of discharge. The nature of the discharge (clear, mucous, or purulent) helps distinguish between viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis.

Corneal examination. In more severe cases, our optometrists check to ensure that the cornea is not affected, as certain forms of conjunctivitis can affect the cornea and require more aggressive treatment.

Measurement of intraocular pressure. If treatment with corticosteroids is being considered, intraocular pressure is measured.

All of these exams can be performed on the same day thanks to our 24/7 emergency eye care service in Gatineau. You don’t have to wait for hours in the emergency room at Gatineau Hospital for a red eye.

Treatments for conjunctivitis

Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis diagnosed by your optometrist in Gatineau.

Viral conjunctivitis

Even though antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses, our optometrists in Gatineau won’t send you home without a solution. We’ll prescribe supportive treatment to relieve your symptoms and help you feel better faster:

Apply cold compresses to your closed eyes to reduce swelling and discomfort. Use preservative-free artificial tears to maintain lubrication and relieve the gritty sensation. Use anti-inflammatory eye drops if the discomfort is more severe. Follow strict hygiene guidelines to prevent spreading the infection to those around you, your coworkers, or your children.

Typical duration: 7 to 14 days. Follow-up may be recommended if symptoms persist or worsen.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Our optometrists in Gatineau can prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat the infection. Treatment typically lasts 5 to 7 days. Improvement is usually noticeable within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Treatment involves using antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops to manage symptoms, combined with avoiding trigger allergens. Our optometrists can prescribe eye drops tailored to your needs and advise you on preventive measures specific to allergy season in the Gatineau area.

Irritative conjunctivitis

The first step is to rinse the eye thoroughly with clean water or saline solution to remove the irritant. If symptoms persist after rinsing, it is recommended that you consult an optometrist in Gatineau to ensure that the cornea has not been damaged.

Conjunctivitis and Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses and develop conjunctivitis, here are the guidelines to follow:

Remove your contact lenses immediately. Continue wearing your glasses until the infection has completely cleared up and your optometrist gives you the all-clear to start wearing contact lenses again.

Throw away your disposable contact lenses. If you wear disposable contact lenses, do not reuse the pair you were wearing when your symptoms first appeared. Start with a new pair once you have recovered.

Disinfect your case. Replace your lens case and disinfect it thoroughly before wearing your lenses again.

Wait for your optometrist's approval. Do not start wearing contact lenses again without your optometrist's approval in Gatineau, even if your symptoms seem to have gone away.

Prevention of conjunctivitis

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread very quickly, especially in shared environments. Here are the preventive measures recommended by our optometrists in Gatineau:

Wash your hands frequently. This is the most effective preventive measure. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your face, using public transportation between Gatineau and Ottawa, or visiting public places.

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Your hands carry bacteria and viruses that can easily be transferred to your eyes.

Do not share your personal items. Towels, washcloths, makeup, eye drops, and contact lenses should never be shared.

Change your pillowcases regularly. Especially if someone in your family has pink eye.

Protect yourself from allergens. If you are prone to allergic conjunctivitis, wear sunglasses on days with high pollen counts, keep your windows closed during allergy season, and use an air purifier at home. Allergy season in the Gatineau and Outaouais region is particularly intense from May to September, especially in the areas of Cantley, Chelsea, Aylmer, and along the Gatineau River.

Follow the hygiene guidelines for contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, strictly follow the cleaning and replacement instructions recommended by your optometrist.

Frequently Asked Questions — Conjunctivitis

Q: Is conjunctivitis contagious?
It depends on the type. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and spread easily through direct or indirect contact. Allergic and irritative conjunctivitis are not contagious. Only an examination by an optometrist in Gatineau can determine with certainty what type of conjunctivitis you have.

Q: How long does conjunctivitis last?
Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts 7 to 14 days. Bacterial conjunctivitis improves within 24 to 48 hours with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis persists as long as exposure to the allergen continues.

Q: Will I be prescribed treatment even if it’s viral?
Yes. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, we always prescribe supportive treatment for viral conjunctivitis, including artificial tears, cold compresses, and, if necessary, anti-inflammatory eye drops. You’ll never leave empty-handed.

Q: Can I go to work or send my child to school with conjunctivitis?
If the conjunctivitis is contagious (viral or bacterial), it is best to stay home until symptoms improve significantly or your optometrist confirms that the risk of spreading the infection has passed. Most daycare centers and schools in Gatineau, Hull, and Aylmer require confirmation before a child can return.

Q: Can conjunctivitis damage my vision?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Mild conjunctivitis does not cause any permanent damage to vision. However, some severe or untreated forms can affect the cornea and, in rare cases, cause scarring. That is why prompt medical attention is always recommended.

Q: My baby has a red, watery eye. Is it conjunctivitis?
Possibly. In newborns, a watery eye can also be caused by a blocked tear duct, which is very common and usually harmless. Our optometrists in Gatineau can distinguish between the two conditions and advise you on what to do.

Q: Should I go to the hospital emergency room or see an optometrist?
For conjunctivitis, an optometrist is the best professional to diagnose and treat you. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our eye emergency service is available 7 days a week. You’ll be seen faster than at the Gatineau hospital and by a professional specializing in eye health. Call 819-485-1085.

See an optometrist in Gatineau for your conjunctivitis

Do you have a red eye, discharge, sticky eyelids, or itching? Don’t wait. Untreated conjunctivitis can spread to your family and coworkers and, in some cases, damage your cornea.

Our optometrists at Altitude Optometry in Gatineau can see you quickly, make an accurate diagnosis, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The clinic is located at 705 Davidson Street West, Suite 1, and is easily accessible from Hull, Aylmer, Templeton, Cantley, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers via Highway 50, Montée Paiement exit.