Common Illnesses & Injuries

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a very contagious infection of the eye. It is characterized by inflammation of the eyelids and eyeballs. It occurs in the membrane that lines the eyelids and the eyeball. Pink eye can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Pollutants like allergens, chemicals, dust, and smoke may cause or worsen the problem. Swimming may be linked to it because of exposure to chlorine in public pools or to contaminated water.

Symptoms may last several days or up to two weeks. They include:

Redness in the white of the eye
A sandy feeling in the eye
Burning
Itching
Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
Discharge in the eye that forms a crust during the night, sealing the eye shut

If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed. The child must not touch the eye and must wash his or her hands often. Conjunctivitis can be easily passed from eye to eye or from person to person. It can spread through a whole classroom of children in just a few days. Children should not return to school until they have had 24 hours of treatment. Warm compresses may relieve some discomfort.

Seek medical care for the child if the following symptoms exist:

A painful red eye
Concern that there may be something in the eye
Extreme sensitivity to bright lights
Chronic episodes of drainage from the eye
Fever or cold symptoms

A partially blocked tear duct may cause pink eye in newborns. In a newborn, the tear ducts may not be completely open. Antibiotics may be needed at times. Sometimes all that is necessary is to wipe the matter from the eye.