Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Information for families about pink eye, including symptoms, treatment, prevention and when students should remain home from school.
If you suspect your child has pink eye, please keep them at home and contact your healthcare provider. Only a physician can determine whether conjunctivitis is infectious or non-infectious.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin, transparent outer layer of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids. Because the inflammation causes redness, it is commonly known as "pink eye."
The most common causes are bacteria, viruses and allergies. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious.
How Does It Spread?
Pink eye is spread through direct contact with discharge from the eye or nasal secretions of an infected person.
Children with infectious conjunctivitis are considered contagious until 24 hours after treatment has begun and should remain out of school during that period.
Common Symptoms
- Red or pink appearance of the eye
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Burning or itching sensation
- Eye irritation
- Pus or drainage from the eye
- Eyelids sticking together upon waking
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the conjunctivitis.
- Keeping the eye clean may be sufficient for irritation-related conjunctivitis.
- Bacterial infections may require prescription eye drops or ointments.
- Other cases may require different treatment approaches.
Proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is important to determine the correct treatment.
When Can My Child Return to School?
Students diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis must remain home until they have received treatment for at least 24 hours and symptoms are improving.
Always follow the guidance provided by your child's healthcare provider.
Prevention Tips
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
- Do not share towels, washcloths or personal hygiene items.
- Do not share eye makeup or contact lens supplies.
- Discard eye makeup or contact lenses used before treatment began.
- Keep children home when symptoms suggest a contagious infection.
Careful hand washing remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.
Is Pink Eye Serious?
Most cases of conjunctivitis are self-limiting and resolve with proper treatment or on their own. However, some forms can become more serious and may threaten vision if left untreated.
Consulting your healthcare provider helps ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Important: Parents of students with communicable diseases are encouraged to notify the school health office so that exposed students can be identified and families can be informed as appropriate. Students with communicable diseases may not attend school while contagious.
Need More Information?
Your school health office, family physician and local health department are excellent sources of information regarding communicable diseases and student health concerns.