Little Johnny comes home from school with itchy, red eyes, parents’ first thought is usually “pink eye.” Although a nuisance pink eye – technically called “conjunctivitis,” is actually very common and easily treatable among children and adults. According to the CDC, pink eye is an “inflammation of the thin, clear lining of the white of the eye and inner eyelid, giving the eye a pink or reddish color.” Symptoms of pink eye include:
- Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
- Increased amount of tears
- White, yellow or green eye discharge
- Itchy eyes
- Burning eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Gritty feeling in the eye
The CDC notes pink eye that results from irritants or allergens is not contagious, but it is possible to have an infection caused by virus or bacteria. Washing your hands and not touching or rubbing your eyes will help prevent the spread of pink eye. Typically pink eye will go away on its own but if symptoms persist, there is moderate to severe pain in the eye or it’s causing blurred vision or sensitivity to light, you should contact a doctor.