What Your Eye Specialist Wants You to Understand About Your Child's 'Pink Eye'

As the school year kicks off, kids are more likely to share germs, which means you might soon receive a call from daycare or the school nurse regarding your child’s conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. While conjunctivitis can stem from bacteria or allergens, most cases that appear suddenly are viral in nature. The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and lines the inner eyelids.

1. Consult Your Eye Doctor Before Seeking Antibiotics

It’s not always necessary to rush to your pediatrician or urgent care for antibiotics. The typical viral conjunctivitis is often caused by the same viruses that lead to colds. If your child is already battling a cold, antibiotic eye drops won’t help and might even cause more irritation and prolong recovery. Despite this, many parents still leave the doctor’s office with a prescription.

2. Educate Daycares on the Misuse of Antibiotics

Some parents feel more comfortable using antibiotics, while others face pressure from childcare providers who require a doctor’s note confirming a prescription for a child to return. This practice can inadvertently extend the infection’s reach to others, and the misuse of antibiotics contributes to growing resistance. According to the CDC, about one-third of antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary.

3. Avoid ‘Red Eye’ Drops

It’s best to steer clear of drops marketed to “get the red out.” These do not treat the infection and can cause rebound redness once discontinued. Instead, warm compresses can provide comfort, and artificial tears can help, especially if kept cool. However, keep in mind that the tears that drip down your child’s face after administering drops can carry viral particles that may spread the infection.

4. Practice Good Hygiene

Encourage your child to avoid touching their eyes. Frequent hand washing is the best defense against illness. Try to keep their hands away from their face unless they’ve just washed them. Since viral conjunctivitis spreads easily, wash any items that have touched their face—like pillowcases, towels, and clothing—in hot water. It’s wise to also disinfect common surfaces, such as doorknobs and remote controls. If your child sneezes near you, there’s little that can be done except to keep your fingers crossed.

5. Know When to Keep Your Child Home

Children are no longer contagious once their eyes appear normal, which can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the virus. Most cases resolve on their own, but if your child experiences vision changes, significant pain, light sensitivity, skin blisters, or pus, it’s time to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Additionally, if there’s no improvement after two to three days, getting a professional opinion can be beneficial.

In summary, understanding how to manage your child’s conjunctivitis can help prevent unnecessary treatments and reduce the risk of spreading infections. For more information on family health, you might find this post on home insemination kits helpful, or explore this excellent resource on fertility treatments for further insights into related health topics.