So your child has got a pink eye. What does that even mean? Does it mean it’s infected, needs antibotics or what? Lets break it down

The conjunctiva is the white part of the eye.

When this part gets infected or inflamed (and red) it is called conjunctivitis or pink eye.

This is because inflammation can cause the blood vessels to become more visible and make that area red or pink

Pink eye only refers to the color of the eye when this happens and can be cause by many things. It can be infectious and non-infectious

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergies
• Irritation
• Foreign object in eye (eg sand)

Symptoms you see with pink eye

• Pink or redness with your child’s eye
• Tearing or discharge
• Pain
• Itching or rubbing of eye
• Runny nose or cough or respiratory symptoms

How can I tell if it is viral or bacterial or allergic?

Differentiating the cause of pink eye can be difficult because they all look alike.

Most kids will wake up with heavy discharge covering their eyes for most types of pink eye and that doesn’t really mean they need drops. This happens because our eyes are dry while we sleep and the discharge builds up more.

But in summary, Viral pink eye commonly affects both eyes and you’ll notice your child has a mild cold (runny nose) at the same time. Bacterial pink eye requires more frequent cleaning because it buiilds up within a short time after cleaning

Look at the table below to help more.

What to do with Pink eye

• Using a warm, soft wash cloth, wipe the eye gently from inner to outer aspect of the eye. Wiping from inside out decreases risk of re-contamination or worsening infection
• Repeat this about 3-4x per day
• Repeat especially in the morning when they wake up and at night.
• Apply any eye drops given if your child was given one. 

-Bacterial pink eye is treated with antibiotics. Oral antibiotics maybe preferred if your child also has an ear infection in addition to pink eye (conjunctivitis).

-Allergic pink maybe treated with anti-allergic oral medication or drops. Be sure to follow up the exact instructions given.

– Pink eye from foreign body gradually resolves after the object is removed or eye is irrigated (washed out) multiple times.

What can you do to prevent spread?

• Frequent handwashing, encourage your child to do the same (if they are old enough)
• Encourage your child not to rub their eyes (this may not be easy- depends on the age of your child).
• Avoid sharing washcloths or towels
• Wash and dry washcloths properly after use

When to be concerned about Pink eye

• Redness with swelling of the whole eye (outside) and eye lid
• Pain with touching the eye and/or eyelid
• Worsening symptoms with or without medication (> 3 days)
• Associated with prolonged fevers and/or rash
• Pink eye with worsening headache and pain on face
• Pink eye in a newborn
• Any other concerning symptoms

What questions do you have about pink eye? Leave a comment below