What Parents Need to Know About Children's Pink Eye

What is Pink Eye?

"Pink eye" is an infectious eye disease, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections that lead to acute conjunctivitis. This condition causes the eyes to become red, the conjunctiva to become congested or bleed, and an increase in eye discharge. Common bacteria that cause pink eye include Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Is Pink Eye Highly Contagious?

Pink eye is highly contagious. Children typically develop symptoms 1 to 3 days after contact with an infected person. Symptoms may include tearing, a burning sensation, and a feeling of having a foreign body in the eye. The eyelids may swell, the conjunctiva may become congested, and sometimes there may even be subconjunctival hemorrhage, but it generally does not affect vision.

Is Pinkeye Contagious?

Pink eye is mainly spread by contact. Healthy eyes that come into contact with contaminated items such as towels, books, toys, etc., that have been contaminated with infected eye secretions (such as eye mucus or tears) will develop symptoms within a few hours to 1-2 days. Pink eye caused by adenovirus usually develops within 5-6 days. Children are active and if precautions are not taken, the disease can quickly spread from one child to an entire family or kindergarten.

In addition to bacteria, some viruses can also cause conjunctivitis similar to pink eye, such as adenovirus and coxsackievirus. These viruses are also highly contagious and can cause regional or more widespread outbreaks. In addition to eye symptoms, children may also experience high fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.