Pink eye is a common cause of school and workplace absences. The medical name for pink eye is conjunctivitis. It gets this name because it is a result of harmful bacteria or viruses invading the thin moist membrane lining of the outer eye and eyelids, the conjunctiva.
Most pink eye will go away on its own in 1-2 weeks...See Your Eye Doctor Right Away if:
• You are in pain or have trouble seeing
• You are sensitive to light
• Your symptoms have continued for 1 week or more
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• Your eye is producing a lot of pus or mucus
• You have any other symptoms of an infection, like a fever or achiness
Pink eye is highly contagious and often spread among children in day care centers, classrooms, etc. Therefore, teachers and day care workers are at an increased risk of developing pink eye.
Things to Do at Home if You Have Pink Eye:
• Stop wearing your contact lenses and get a new set when you start wearing them again after the infection clears.
• Stop wearing eye makeup and get new eye makeup when the infection clears
• Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, artificial tears
• If your eyelids are sticking together, a warm washcloth can loosen the dried mucus
How to Prevent Eye Infections...Basic Hygiene:
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before handling contact lenses
• Teach your children to avoid touching their eyes without washing their hands first
• Don’t sleep in your contact lenses
• If a family member has an infection, keep their bedding and towels clean, and don’t share these items with others
If you have more questions about pink eye, call us at 816-246-2111 or email us at