What is Acute Conjunctivitis?
More commonly known as ‘pink eye,’ conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin tissue that covers the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelid. This inflammation can be caused by irritants, allergies, viruses, bacteria or, in rare cases, autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
Redness of the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids
Eye pain
Sensitivity to light
Increased tearing
Itchiness
A ‘gritty’ feeling inside the eye, like there’s a piece of sand stuck there
Green or yellow discharge
Pink Eye Treatment
When conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, it can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with an antibiotic whereas bacterial infections can.
Signs that make a bacterial conjunctivitis more likely include:
Green or yellow discharge that continues throughout the day
Affected eye crusted shut in the morning
Pain in the affected eye
No other viral symptoms like runny nose or cough
When a bacterial infection is suspected, a topical antibiotic made for the eye is used. This can come as either a drop or an ointment and is applied 3 times per day for 5 days. Even if only one eye is red, you should apply the medication to both eyes.
To prevent spread, make sure your child washes their hands regularly.
Contact lens wearers should stop wearing lenses while being treated.
When Can my Child Return to School?
Technically your child can return to school even without treatment. Even bacterial conjunctivitis with usually get better on its own and should be thought of like the common cold. Kids go to school with a cold and pinkeye is no different.
Some schools still require that your child to be on antibiotics for 24 hours before they return to school
See a Doctor in Person If…
Worsening eye pain especially if your child is a contact lens wearer
Change or worsening vision
Pain with eye movement
Eye swelling