My Kid Got Pink Eye, Is It Contagious?
Common childhood infections have varied over the decades due to changes in public health measures, access to vaccinations & medications and advancements in healthcare. Most people can easily name a widely contagious condition that was a customary occurrence in their youth; 1980s and ‘90s kids remember chickenpox, early 2000’s kids saw hand, foot, and mouth disease, and the next generation is all too familiar with Covid. Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, has been around even longer. Because it spreads easily through direct or even indirect contact, pink eye occurs in toddlers and young children more so than in adults, yet anyone can develop it.
Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. There are several types of pink eye, including:
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Caused by viruses like adenovirus. It is highly contagious and often accompanies a common cold or respiratory infection.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. It is also highly contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact with the infected person’s eye secretions.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander or mold. It is not contagious.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to irritants like chlorine in swimming pools, smoke or fumes. It is not contagious.
Kids are particularly susceptible to contagious infections like pink eye. Immature immune responses, lack of previous exposure, close contact in school or daycare settings, sharing of toys or other items, frequent face touching, lack of proper handwashing, oral fixation with putting objects in their mouths and lack of cleaning or disinfecting environments are all factors in spreading pink eye. Symptoms of pink eye are redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, increased tearing, thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, itchy and burning eyes and blurred vision with sensitivity to light. Treatments for pink eye are dependent upon their cause:
- Viral Conjunctivitis:
- Self-limiting: Usually resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks.
- Symptom Relief: Use of cold compresses, artificial tears and avoiding contact lenses until the infection clears.
- Antiviral Medication: In severe cases caused by herpes simplex virus, antiviral medications may be prescribed.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
- Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments: Prescribed to shorten the duration of symptoms and prevent spread. Common antibiotics include erythromycin, tobramycin or polymyxin B/trimethoprim.
- Symptom Relief: Warm compresses to reduce discomfort and crusting.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis:
- Allergen Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding the allergen causing the reaction.
- Antihistamine Eye Drops: Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Oral Antihistamines: For more severe allergic reactions.
- Artificial Tears: To dilute and flush out allergens from the eye.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis:
- Remove the Irritant: Rinse eyes with saline solution or artificial tears to remove the irritant.
- Symptom Relief: Use of cold compresses and artificial tears.
While bacterial conjunctivitis is a common form of pink eye, it is not the most prevalent type. Viral conjunctivitis is generally more common, particularly during cold and flu seasons when viral infections are widespread. For bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms may last 5-7 days but children can return to school within 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics and if symptoms have improved. With contagious infections such as pink eye, it is wise to err on the side of caution and keep your child home for the recommended time by your child’s doctor to not further spread the infection to others. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Skyline Vision Clinic at 719-630-3937 or WEBSITE.