How to Get Rid of Pink Eye

Oh, Pink Eye, you are truly one of the most annoying viruses. I’m here to tell you how to get rid of Pink Eye, how your child may have contracted it and how you can prevent it.

Pink Eye (also called conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. It’s pretty common and usually lasts up about 7-10 days. Pink Eye is very contagious and can spread easily and quickly from person to person so it would be best to keep your child home from school and daycare until it improves.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Redness or swelling of the white of the eye
Swollen eyelids
Increased amount of tears
White, yellow or green eye discharge
Itchy eyes
Burning eyes
Increased sensitivity to light
Crusting of the eyelids or lashes

Causes of Pink Eye

Viruses
Bacteria
Allergens like dust mites or pets
Irritants like chlorine in pools

How to Treat Pink Eye

Pink Eye usually disappears on its own
Keep your child’s infected eye clean and be sure he/she isn’t rubbing it and spreading it to their other eye to speed up healing
Eyedrops
Antibiotic ointment

Preventing Pink Eye

Proper hand washing
Advising your children to not share towels or other linens
Not sharing eye makeup or contact lens equipment
Avoid wearing both makeup and contact lenses until it has cleared up, also remember to throw out any possibly infected makeup