What is it?
Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye, and is commonly called “pink eye,” although in reality any number of conditions can make the eye look pink or red. Conjunctivitis can occur in adults, but most often occurs in young children, who are more vulnerable to infection. Pink eye epidemics often spread rapidly through classrooms.

What do I do?
A child’s pediatrician can help to determine if a child has conjunctivitis or another ailment. If conjunctivitis is the problem, the way the eyes look and feel will provide clues about which type it is.

Seek medical attention, if...

• discharge from the eye turns yellow or pus–like
• symptoms do not clear up following treatment
• vision is impaired
• eye pain increases instead of resolves during treatment

For all types, a cold compress (some Dr’s may suggest warm compress) placed on the outside of eyelids and lubricating eye drops may help eyes feel a little better.

Kinds of Pink Eye
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form. Symptoms of upper respiratory infection usually precede viral conjunctivitis. Excessive watering, a light discharge and crusting on eyelids sometimes occurs. Viral conjunctivitis is contagious, and like other viruses, antibiotics can’t treat it. It usually it clears up on its own in 4-10 days.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often spreads to both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish. Crusting may appear on eyelids. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is almost always self-limiting and lasts about 2 weeks if untreated. However, antibiotics can help shorten the illness and reduce the spread of infection to others. A Dr’s note indicating the child is no longer contagious is required upon returning to school.

Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, redness and excessive tearing in both eyes. The nose also may be stuffy, itchy and runny. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious; it occurs when irritants such as allergens, dust and smoke are in the environment.

In such communal settings as our school, we (teachers, parents and school nurse) must take extra precautions to prevent an epidemic. Efficient communication is key to our success in limiting exposure to students. Parents should minimize exposure by keeping their child with bacterial pink eye home until the contagious stage has passed. The child’s doctor can advise when the contagious stage has passed. A minimum of 24 hours on antibiotic eye drops and no discharge is Dekalb County’s Policy.

Suggestions

• Encourage children to wash hands frequently and thoroughly (sing the happy birthday song and always use soap).
• Never allow personal items, including hand towels, to be shared at school or at home.
• Encourage children not to sneeze into their hands.
• Use tissues and cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough.
• Discourage eye rubbing and touching, to avoid spread of bacteria and viruses.
• Use antiseptic solutions, especially after a confirmed case, to wipe common toys, tabletops, drinking fountains, faucet handles, etc.

In health,
Jennifer Florence, RN
School Nurse, Oak Grove Elementary