Pink Eye for Kids

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is a name for a sickness that makes your eye red, itchy, and sometimes sore. The medical name for pink eye is conjunctivitis (kun-junk-tih-VY-tus). It happens when the white part of your eye gets irritated or infected. You might also have watery eyes, crusty stuff around your eyes when you wake up, or your eyelids might swell up. Pink eye can affect one or both of your eyes, and it can spread from one person to another, so it's important to see a doctor if you think you have it.

How Do You Get Pink Eye?

There are different reasons why people get pinkeye:

• Viruses or Bacteria: These types of pinkeye can spread easily to other people. If you catch a virus like the Adenovirus, it can make both of your eyes red. You might also have a cough, sore throat, or fever. Bacterial pink eye (which can be caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus, like the one that causes strep throat) usually affects just one eye.

• Allergies: Sometimes pinkeye happens because of allergies. This can happen when your eyes are irritated by things like pollen, dust, or animal fur. Allergic pink eye affects both eyes and isn’t contagious.

• Irritants: Things like chlorine in pools, cleaning supplies, or pollution can also make your eyes feel bad. This kind of pinkeye isn’t contagious either.

If you have pinkeye that is caused by a virus or bacteria, you can spread it to other people. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands often and not share things like tissues, towels, or toys. You can even get pink eye from touching something that someone with pink eye has touched, like a doorknob or a pillow.

What Do You Do If You Get Pink Eye?

If you think you have pink eye, tell an adult right away and see your doctor. If the doctor says it’s viral pinkeye, you can spread it as long as you still have symptoms. If it’s bacterial pink eye, you can spread it until you’ve had medicine for 24 hours. It’s a good idea to stay home from school or sports for a few days until you start feeling better. Don’t forget to wash things you touch, like your towels and pillowcases, in hot water.

How is Pink Eye Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of pinkeye you have:

• Allergic Pink Eye: If you have allergic pinkeye, your doctor might give you allergy medicine to help.

• Viral and Irritant Pink Eye: These usually go away on their own after a few days, so you don’t need medicine.

• Bacterial Pink Eye: If you have bacterial pinkeye, the doctor will give you special eye drops or ointment to put on your eye. If you have trouble putting the drops in, ask a parent to help you. You can also use warm compresses (a warm, damp cloth) to help with pain or swelling, and take medicine like Tylenol or Motrin if you need it.

Summary

Pink eye is a sickness that makes your eye red and sore. Sometimes, it can spread from person to person, especially if it’s caused by a virus or bacteria. It’s important to tell an adult if you think you have it and go see a doctor. To stop spreading pink eye, wash your hands often, don’t share tissues or towels, and stay home until you’re better. Pink eye might not need medicine, but if it does, always follow the doctor’s instructions.