Frequently Asked Questions

The symptoms of pink eye may vary depending on the cause but usually include:

• Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids
• Discomfort, scratchy feeling, itching, or pain in the eye
• Increased amount of tears
• Eye discharge which may be clear, yellow, white or green
• Itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light
• White of the eye may appear pink or red, sometimes with visible blood vessels
• Crusting of the eyelids or lashes

If someone has a viral infection, the discharge from the eye will usually appear watery and clear. Discharge from a bacterial infection will often appear thick and white, yellow, or green in color. Infectious pink eye, either viral or bacterial, may begin in one eye and move to the other eye. Pink eye caused by allergies or other irritants will often arise in both eyes at once.

The incubation period for viral conjunctivitis is up to a week. The infection may last up to two weeks. In bacterial pink eye, the incubation period can be as little as a few days. A bacterial infection typically lasts up to a week when treated with antibiotics.

It is important to seek medical advice and treatment if a child has symptoms of pink eye, whether the infection is viral or bacterial. If the child complains of severe pain, changes in eyesight, or sensitivity to light, seek medical attention immediately, even if treatment has been completed.

Typical treatment for pink eye from a viral infection is a cool water compress which may soothe the discomfort.

Treatment for bacterial infections usually includes the use of an antibiotic. A child with a bacterial infection will need to be kept at home and treated with the antibiotic for one full day before returning to school or childcare. A cold compress also relieves symptoms of bacterial infections.

Pink eye from allergies and irritants often is treated with lubricant and antihistamine eye drops.