Understanding pink eye: A guide for families
7/25/2024 by Scott Anjewierden, M.D.
Your child wakes up with scratchy, red eyes and goopy drainage. They’ve come down with a case of pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis). While this condition can be distressing for children and families, understanding what pink eye is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can empower families to manage it effectively.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva or the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This inflammation can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. Most cases of pink eye are caused by a virus. In these cases, antibiotic drops or ointments do not relieve symptoms or make you less contagious. Even among cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops have only been shown to reduce the duration of symptoms by about 8 hours. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are considered self-limited, which means they will resolve on their own.
What are the symptoms of Pink Eye?
The primary symptoms of pink eye include red, itchy eyes and goopy discharge. Often, the eye drainage is significant enough that the eye can become crusted shut first thing in the morning. Eye symptoms may occur alone, but viral conjunctivitis can be accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, cough or fever.
When should I see my doctor for pink eye?
The first line of treatment for pink eye is home care. Children with conjunctivitis who have any of the following symptoms should be evaluated by their primary care provider:
- Any eye pain that is more than mild.
- Blurry vision that doesn’t clear with wiping away discharge.
- Vision loss.
- Warm, red swelling that extends beyond the eyelid.
- Worsening symptoms after 3 days.
Certain groups of patients should also be seen for any case of conjunctivitis, including infants less than 6 months old, immunocompromised patients, contact lens wearers experiencing any eye pain, and anyone with recent trauma or surgery to or around the eye.
How can I treat pink eye at home?
Home treatment of conjunctivitis includes the following:
- Warm or cool compresses.
- Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears.
- For allergy-like symptoms, antihistamines such as cetirizine may help.
- Those with allergy symptoms may also benefit from topical antihistamine/decongestant eye drops, such as Olopatadine.
- Most cases of pink eye do not benefit from antibiotic drops.
When is it safe to return to work, school, or daycare?
Symptoms of pink eye can last up to two weeks but are typically worse at the beginning of the illness. It is safe to return to work or school if the drainage is controllable and you or your child can follow good hand hygiene. If your child is in daycare, you may want to check with them about their specific policy for pink eye.
It’s important to remember to practice good hand hygiene and avoid sharing personal items such as pillows or towels. Any contaminated eye makeup should be discarded, regardless of the cause of your pink eye. These practices will help to stop the spread of pink eye.
Scott Anjewierden, M.D., is a pediatric resident in his third and final year at Mayo Clinic. He lives in Rochester, Minnesota, with his wife, three children and a sheepadoodle. He is interested in Pediatric Cardiology and congenital heart disease.