Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Things to know
What is Pink Eye?
What is the cause of Pink Eye?
Viruses
Bacteria
Allergens - Things like dust, mold, pollen
Irritants - Things that are in the environment - fog/smog, chlorine in pools
Symptoms
A pink or red appearance of the whites of eyes or the inside of eyelids.
Watery eyes
Discharge from eyes that might be clear, yellow, white or green
Eyes may feel itchy, be irritated or feel like they are burning.
Eyes may feel "crunchy"
Eyelids or eyelashes may get crusty.
When should I go to the Doctor?
Pain in your eye(s)
Light is painful or vision is blurry
Very red eyes
Compromised immune system (due to cancer treatment, HIV, etc.)
Symptoms that do not get better with or without treatment
An eye condition that may cause symptoms that are more severe
I have Pink Eye - Now What?
The amount of time it takes to get pink eye from initial exposure depends on if it is viral or bacterial. Bacterial pink eye typically has green or yellow discharge. Pink eye is contagious while the discharge is present. There is no reason for students to be excluded from school unless they have a high fever, there is a change in behavior, or the person cannot stop touching his/her eye. Antibiotics are not a condition of returning to school.
Marcia Shefchik BSW, BSN, RN (Nurse Marcia)
Email: marcshef@hssd.k12.wi.us
Website: http://nursemarcia.weebly.com/
Location: 2706 Lineville Rd.
Phone: 920-6627946