Pink Eye 101: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Red, crusty, itchy eyes? Your child may have conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye.” From a medical standpoint, pink eye is redness and swelling of the tissue covering the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Dr. Jennifer Bentley, a pediatrician at Le Bonheur Pediatrics, explains what causes pink eye, how to prevent it and what to do if your child has it.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is a general term for eye redness, but it can have several different causes. Bacterial or viral pink eye is caused by many of the same bacteria and viruses that also cause the common cold, sinus infections and sore throats. Allergic pink eye is triggered by common allergens – like grass, ragweed, animals or dust mites. Pink eye can also be caused by anything that causes irritation in the eyes, such as chlorine in pools, soap or dirt. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes.

“The symptoms of the different kinds of pink eye are similar, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the different causes,” says Dr. Bentley.

Symptoms of pink eye include:

• Red or pink appearance of the eyes
• Itchiness or pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Complaints of a gritty feeling
• Watering of the eyes or yellow-green drainage
• Eyes that are crusted shut in the morning

Treating Pink Eye

Pink eye from infections usually resolves without treatment in five to six days. Some viral pink eye can last for as long as two weeks, but allergic or irritant pink eye can resolve within 24 hours. If you suspect your child has pink eye, discourage them from touching their eyes.

“Parents should see their pediatrician if their child has changes in vision, drainage or redness that lasts more than three days, swelling around the eyes or severe eye pain,” says Dr. Bentley. “You can always contact your pediatrician’s office if you have questions or concerns about your child’s symptoms.”

Only some forms of pink eye require prescription treatment, depending on the type of pink eye your child has. Viral pink eye resolves on its own, as antibiotics don’t help treat the infection. Bacterial pink eye can benefit from antibiotic eye drops or ointment (make sure not to touch the bottle directly on one eye and then use it on the other eye). Allergic pink eye can benefit from over-the-counter allergy medications or allergy eye drops to help reduce itchiness and irritation.

While most cases of pink eye don’t need prescription treatment, Dr. Bentley offers several ways to help manage symptoms:

• Apply a warm or cool compress to the eyes.
• Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to help soothe the eyes. Pro tip: Put the drops in the refrigerator first for a more soothing effect.
• Take Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
• Clean crusted eyes gently with warm water and cotton balls.

Preventing the Spread of Pink Eye

Pink eye caused by viruses and bacteria is contagious. It spreads by direct contact with drainage from the infected eye or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the eyes. This is why pink eye can easily spread from one eye to the other eye, as a child will rub the infected eye and then touch their other eye.

“Parents can prevent pink eye by encouraging their children to frequently wash their hands or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching their face,” says Dr. Bentley. “Sanitizing door handles, tables, toys, phones or other items that are frequently touched to reduce the spread of all germs.”

To prevent pink eye caused by environmental allergies, parents should help their child avoid allergy triggers. This can include staying inside on high pollen days and dust or vacuuming often.

When it comes to school and daycare attendance with pink eye, usually each facility has its own guidelines about when a child can return, so check with your child’s school or daycare before returning.