Pink eye is a contagious eye infection common in children. The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis because it affects the conjunctiva, which is a transparent lining over the white part of the eye and the inside of the lids. In most cases, pink eye is a minor infection that resolves on its own, but it’s still a good idea to consult with your child’s pediatrician to rule out other, more serious eye diseases that have similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Children with pink eye experience the following symptoms:
- Pinkness or redness in the whites of the eyes
- Swelling in the eyes and eyelids
- Watery eyes
- Itching, burning, and irritation
- Discharge from the eyes
- Crusting on the eyelids and lashes
- Increased rubbing of the eyes
Causes of Pink Eye
Pink eye is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral conjunctivitis may be accompanied by a cold, flu, or respiratory infection, while bacterial conjunctivitis sometimes occurs with an ear infection. Discharge from bacterial conjunctivitis is often thick, while viral conjunctivitis tends to be more watery.
Pink eye can also be caused by irritants in the environment and allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually seen in both eyes and causes a great deal of itching, swelling, and tearing. If your child has other signs of allergies as well, we can discuss allergy medication to help alleviate these symptoms.
Pink Eye Treatment
When pink eye is caused by a viral infection, the treatment is to let the virus run its course and use cool or warm compresses to relieve symptoms in the meantime. Wipe the discharge away a few times a day with warm water and a tissue or cotton balls. Discomfort can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as needed.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Younger children often do better with antibiotic ointment, as it can be applied to the outside of the eyelids, where the upper and lower lid meet, and as the skin warms the ointment, it will melt and enter the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Eye
How long does pink eye last?
In most cases, a pink eye infection will resolve in a few days, but occasionally it may last over a week. If you’re concerned about the duration of your child’s pink eye, contact their pediatrician.
Can I send my child to school with pink eye?
Once treatment is started, children can usually go back to school the next day. If your child has allergic conjunctivitis, they can go to school, but they may be uncomfortable, which is why we recommend addressing the allergy that’s causing their pink eye.
What happens if you let pink eye go untreated?
Usually untreated pink eye will go away on its own, but not always. If your child develops pain, eye swelling, or isn’t responding to treatment in 2-3 days, it’s important to keep your child’s pediatrician updated on their condition. We may recommend an office visit or take a wait-and-see approach if symptoms are more mild.
