Brace yourself, parents. There may be more coming home from school with your child than a backpack full of homework or a days-old turkey sandwich.
Pink eye is one of the most common childhood illnesses, and it can make its way through a classroom, on the playground and during other activities in – well, the blink of an eye. In fact, pink eye accounts for about 3 million missed school days by children in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While pink eye is usually more annoying than alarming, those red, irritated peepers can leave parents wondering what to do next.
What causes pink eye, and how does it spread?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva – the clear membrane that lines the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Just like its name suggests, it can make the white part of the eye look pink or reddish and come with some uncomfortable symptoms.
Most cases of pink eye in children are infectious and are caused by viruses or bacteria. Less commonly, pink eye is caused by allergens like pollen or irritants like smoke or dust. These types aren’t contagious.
Viral and bacterial pink eye can pass from person to person. Germs can spread through contact with discharge from an infected eye or through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. They can also hitch a ride on hands, towels or other high-touch surfaces.
What are the symptoms of pink eye?
Common signs of pink eye can include:
- Red or pink eyes
- Watery, itchy or irritated eyes
- Thick discharge that may be yellow, green or white
- Crusty buildup on the eyelids or eyelashes
- A feeling that something is stuck in the eye
- Burning or discomfort
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Mild eye pain
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
Viral pink eye often begins in one eye and may spread to the other within a few days. It may also come with cold-like symptoms, such as a cough or sore throat.
Bacterial pink eye is more likely to cause thick discharge and crusting around the eyes.
Red, irritated eyes don’t always tell the whole story. Because pink eye symptoms can overlap with other eye conditions, a health care provider can help figure out what’s going on.
How is pink eye treated?
Treatment for pink eye depends on what’s causing it. Viral pink eye is common, and antibiotics won’t help because they don’t work against viruses.
- Viral pink eye usually clears up on its own.
- Bacterial pink eye may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment when a provider determines they’re appropriate. Not every case requires antibiotics, so it’s always best to have your child evaluated.
- Allergy- or irritant-related pink eye is treated by addressing the trigger, such as pollen or another irritant.
No matter what’s behind your child’s symptoms, there are a few things you can do at home to help them feel more comfortable:
- Apply a clean, cool compress to the affected eye
- Gently wipe away discharge with a clean, damp washcloth or cotton pad
- Use artificial tears if recommended by a healthcare provider
Ditch the contacts. If you or your child wears contact lenses and gets pink eye, leave them in the case and opt for glasses while symptoms last. Your health care provider may also recommend replacing disposable contact lenses and cases that were used during the infection.
How long does pink eye last?
Many viral cases of pink eye clear up within one to two weeks. Bacterial infections may improve sooner with appropriate treatment.
If your child's symptoms aren't improving, are getting worse or continue for longer than expected, check in with a provider. Persistent symptoms can also be a sign that something other than pink eye is causing the redness.
When can my child go back to school or activities?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether your child should stay home depends on what's causing their pink eye and how they feel. Check your child’s school or childcare program’s illness and return-to-school policy, since requirements can vary.
A health care provider can also advise you on when it’s OK to return to school, sports and other activities.
When should my child get see a health care provider?
It's especially important to seek prompt care if your child has:
- Eye pain
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Significant swelling
- Intense redness
- Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
Newborns with symptoms of pink eye should be evaluated right away.
When in doubt, trust your parental radar. If your child seems unusually uncomfortable or something just doesn't look right, it’s worth checking in with a health care provider.
What can I do to help keep my child healthy at school?
You can’t keep your kiddo in a bubble, and you can’t expect them to avoid every germ at school. The goal is to build healthy habits that support overall health and help reduce the spread of pink eye and other common childhood illnesses.
At school, home or practice, encourage your child to:
- Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
- Avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow
- Throw used tissues in the trash and wash their hands afterward
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and eye products
- Keep their hands away from other children's faces and eyes
- Get enough sleep each night
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Get regular physical activity
For younger children, these habits take practice. Regular reminders at home can make them easier to remember at school.
Fun fact: It’s not just a kid thing. Adults can get pink eye, too. The same healthy habits apply at any age: wash your hands regularly, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and don’t share towels, pillows or eye products.
Think it’s pink eye? Start with Indigo
If your child comes home with red, irritated eyes, don’t panic. Pink eye is common, and most cases are easily manageable.
If you’re not sure what’s causing their symptoms – or if their symptoms are concerning – there’s no need to wait for answers. One of the friendly clinicians at Indigo Urgent Care can evaluate your child and provide a diagnosis and treatment, if needed. With walk-in care and same-day and next-day appointments at our convenient locations, Indigo makes it easy to get the answers and treatment you need – when you need it.
Prefer to skip the trip to the clinic? Help is as close as your phone or favorite device. With Indigo Virtual Care, you can meet face-to-face with a board-certified clinician.
Whether you visit in person or virtually, care is available 8 am to 8 pm every day.
