Pink eye is one of the most common eye conditions. It happens when the clear covering over the surface of the eye (conjunctiva) becomes irritated, inflamed, and pinkish in hue.
Also called conjunctivitis, pink eye often appears suddenly, causing symptoms like:
While conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, many cases of pink eye are caused by bacteria or viruses that infect the conjunctiva.
Pink eye is often uncomfortable, and it can also interrupt daily routines, including school and sports activities. In this post, our team at ABC Children's Eye Specialists offers some simple dos and don'ts to help your child get better quickly.
Pink eye is highly contagious, and one of the most common ways it spreads is through contact.
A good way to prevent transmission is to make sure your child washes their hands frequently with warm and soapy water. Keeping hand sanitizer available ensures their hands stay clean when soap and water aren’t available.
If your child has crusting or discharge, gently wipe the area with a clean, warm, and damp cloth. If they’re old enough, show them how to do it. While cleaning won’t clear the infection, it can make your child more comfortable.
Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward and use a fresh cloth for each eye to avoid spreading infection.
If your child has pink eye, be sure they don’t share towels, washcloths, or pillowcases. Keeping these items separate keeps germs from spreading from one person to another. Washing linens regularly in hot water during an active infection can also help kill infection-causing germs.
Not all pink eye is the same. Some cases are caused by viruses and others by bacteria. That means effective treatment depends on the underlying cause.
What’s more, pink, irritated eyes aren’t only associated with conjunctivitis. In fact, other infections and vision problems cause similar symptoms. Our team can identify what’s causing your child’s infection so it can be treated appropriately for optimal results and quick relief.
When eyes are irritated or itchy, it’s tempting to rub them. But rubbing can actually make symptoms worse and spread the infection to the other eye (or to other people through contaminated hands).
The best way to relieve burning, irritation, and itching is to schedule an eye doctor visit for eye drops or other treatments that can provide lasting relief.
If your child wears contact lenses or uses eye makeup, it’s important for them to stop while their eye is infected. Continuing to use contacts or makeup could prolong the infection or cause it to recur.
Our team will let you and your child know when it’s okay to resume these.
Pink eye can be highly contagious, especially in group settings like school or daycare. Sending your child back too early increases the risk of spreading infection to classmates and staff, and it can also lead to reinfection for your child.
Our team provides complete guidance to help you determine when it’s okay for your child to return to these activities.
If symptoms like redness, swelling, discharge, or sensitivity to light persist or worsen, it’s important not to “wait it out.”
Persistent symptoms may signal a more serious eye condition that needs prompt attention from our team. You should also seek immediate care if your child’s symptoms get worse or if they have symptoms like a headache or a fever.
Pink eye is uncomfortable, but with the right care, most kids recover quickly. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s eye health, our team is ready to provide expert guidance, personalized care, and peace of mind.
To schedule a visit for your child, call our offices to request an appointment with the team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix, Avondale, Sun City, Gilbert, and Mesa, Arizona, today.
