Download If my child gets pink eye, should he stay home from school?

If my child gets pink eye, should he stay home from school?
Pink eye is one of the most common (and sometimes contagious) eye
infections with adults as well as children. Pink eye is a very broad term
used to describe an eye infection or eye redness in general.
In a healthy eye, the sclera is
essentially white with only a few small
blood vessels visible. There is an
adequate tear film, with no significant
discharge or watering.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) occurs when the conjunctiva — the thin,
normally transparent membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the
inside of the eyelids — becomes infected or injected (turns red or
pink).
Pink eye is caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus, allergy or injury.
When the conjunctiva is infected, the blood vessels within it become
irritated and swell, giving the eye a red or pink appearance. Since
there are many different kinds of pink eye, there are many different
ways to treat it. The most common forms of pink eye are caused by
a bacteria or virus.
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes the eyelids to become sticky
and gooey with a greenish
discharge. The eye will be red
with a sticky yellow or
yellow/green discharge; eyelids
may be stuck together upon
waking. It can affect one or
both eyes, and is usually
spread by direct contact only.
Viral conjunctivitis usually has a
clear watery discharge. This type
of conjunctivitis is most
commonly associated with the
term, “pink eye.” Appearance:
red, itchy, watery eye. It can
affect one or both eyes and is
highly contagious.
Both of these types of pink eye are very contagious, which is why many
schools and day care centers will not allow children to attend while they
are in the acute phase of this infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis is very
similar in appearance to viral
conjunctivitis, but accompanied
by nasal congestion, sneezing,
eyelid swelling and sensitivity to
light. Both eyes are affected, but
it's not contagious.
If left untreated, pink eye will generally remain infectious, contagious &
uncomfortable for 2 - 6 weeks before resolving on its own.
If properly treated, the infection generally begins to improve in a matter of
2 - 3 days, which is why I recommend treatment.
If you have any questions about this eye condition or other eye conditions,
please give our office a call at 260-724-4318.