Pinkeye or conjunctivitis, is a very contagious infection of the eye. It is characterized by inflammation of the eyelids and eyeballs. It occurs in the membrane that line the eyelids and the eyeball to the edge of the cornea. Pinkeye can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Pollutants like allergies, chemicals, dust, and smoke may increase the problem. Swimming may be linked to it because of exposure to chlorine in public pools or to contaminated water.

Symptoms may last several days or up to two weeks. They include:
* redness in the white of the eye,
* a sandy feeling in the eye,
* burning,
* itching,
* blurred vision and sensitivity to light, and
* discharge in the eye that forms a crust during the night sealing the eye shut.

If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed. The child must not touch the eye and must wash his or her hands often. Conjunctivitis can be easily passed from eye to eye or from person to person. It can spread through a whole classroom of children in just a few days. Children should not return to school until they have had 24 hours of treatment. Warm compresses may relieve some discomfort.

Seek medical care for the child if the following symptoms exist:
* a painful red eye,
* concern that there may be something in the eye,
* extreme sensitivity to bright lights,
* chronic episodes of drainage from the eye, or
* fever or cold symptoms.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go