Three types of pink eye and the fastest ways to treat them
There’s more than one type of pink eye, and that means there’s more than one way to treat it. Learning what type of pink eye your child has is the first step to treating it quickly.
Amy Bowman, PA-C Published Oct 18, 2018
Pink eye is one of the more common reasons that kids have to stay home from school or day care. That makes treating it quickly a big deal for most parents.
Your provider may refer to pink eye as conjunctivitis, because it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, clear lining of the white part of the eye). While rarely dangerous, some types of pink eye are highly contagious.
There are three main types of pink eye. Most surprising for many parents is that only one type of pink eye requires that you see a medical provider.
Three types of pink eye, three ways to treat
- Signs & symptoms
- Eye is pinkish-red and has thick greenish-yellow discharge. Often affects only one eye.
- Cause
- Bacteria like those that cause strep throat and skin infections.
- Is it contagious?
-
Yes, until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.
- Treatment
- Antibiotic eye drops.
- Should you see a provider?
-
Yes.
The quickest way to get treatment is an Everyday Online visit. Get a response in less than an hour. Start an online visit.
- Signs & symptoms
- Eye is pinkish-red, watery, itchy and may be light-sensitive. Can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms typically occur with or soon after a cold, flu or sore throat.
- Cause
- Viruses like those that cause the common cold or flu.
- Is it contagious?
-
Yes, for up to 7 days.
- Treatment
- Warm compresses and artificial tears to relieve eye symptoms, plus at-home or non-prescription remedies for general cold and flu symptoms.
- Should you see a provider?
- Only if symptoms worsen or don’t resolve within a week.
- Signs & symptoms
- Similar to viral symptoms, but it affects both eyes. If child has a history of allergies and doesn’t feel sick otherwise, it’s likely to be allergic pink eye.
- Cause
- Allergens like pollen, pet dander or cosmetics.
- Is it contagious?
-
No.
- Treatment
- Antihistamines and cool compresses.
- Should you see a provider?
- Only if symptoms worsen or do not respond to treatment.
Of course, treating pink eye is only half the battle for parents. Because viral and bacterial pink eye are so contagious, remind your child to avoid touching the eyes and to wash hands frequently. Disinfect surfaces and toys that the child touches, and be sure to wash the child’s pillowcase. Encourage other family members to wash their hands frequently as well.
When to be concerned
Finally, any type of pink eye should be evaluated promptly by your provider if the child:
- is a newborn, has a weakened immune system or has a pre-existing eye condition
- has eye pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision
- has intense eye redness
- has symptoms that get worse or don’t improve.