Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation (i.e. redness and swelling) of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids
Causes
Infection (bacteria or virus)
Allergies
Irritant
Signs and Symptoms
Red or pink eye
Itchy and/or painful eye
Green or yellow discharge
Infected eyes can get “crusted” and may be difficult to open in the morning
May affect one or both eyes
How is it spread?
If bacterial/viral in nature – it can spread by direct contact with discharge from an infected eye
If from allergy or irritant – usually not contagious
How do you treat it?
When pink eye caused by infection, most often it is from virus, so antibiotic will not help – it will go away on its own in few days
If caused by bacteria – it can be treated with antibiotic drops or gel. In that case, antibiotic eye drops should be used for 24 hours before going back to school
Clean eyes before putting antibiotic drops
Use warm water and wet cloth to remove pus/crusting and dispose it carefully
Children who wear contact lens need to switch to glass for a while
With treatment discharge should clear up in 2-3 days , however red eye may last up to week
When to Call the Pediatrician?
If eye is extremely red, oozing or very painful
If child complains about visual blurring or visual loss
Prevention
The best method for preventing spread is good hand hygiene
Careful hand hygiene before and after touching the eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid sharing towel, bed clothes or other personal items with person who has pink eye
