Pink Eye
What is pinkeye? Commonly called pinkeye, conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the lining of the membrane that lines the eyelid and surface of the eye.What causes pinkeye?
Pinkeye can be caused by bacteria or viruses, allergies, pollution, or other irritants.
What are the symptoms of pinkeye?
The symptoms are redness in the whites of the eyes, red and swollen eyelids, yellow or white discharge from the eyes, a feeling that something is in the eye, and excessive tearing. Often the discharge will cause the eyelids to be "glued" shut when kids wake in the morning.
What is the treatment for pinkeye?
Depending on the cause for the inflammation treatments for pinkeye may vary. For bacterial conjunctivitis antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed. It is very important that you finish all the eye drops even if the eye looks better after a few days. Your child cannot be admitted back to school until he/she has been on antibiotic drops for 24 hours!
Can pinkeye be prevented?
You can prevent pinkeye from spreading by following these simple steps:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching or rubbing your eyes and after using eye drops.
2. Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, or washcloths with an infected person.
If you have any further questions regarding pinkeye, please contact the building nurse at your child's school.
