Pink Eye, Your Child, & Schools in Columbia

Pink eye is common among children and is often caused by an allergic reaction or a bacterial infection. Most children contract pink eye through the environment, or from swimming in an unfiltered swimming pool. Learn who to take care of a pink eye and how our optometrist in Columbia can help.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis often affects both eyes and creates a crusty discharge that has hardened, and in some case, glues a child’s eyelids shut.

The symptoms following a pink eye are:

• Itchy eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Yellow-greenish or clear discharge from the eyes
• Redness of the eye or inner eyelid

Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Yes. Pink eye is highly contagious. The contamination period can last anywhere from several days to several weeks once the symptoms appear. Children in schools and daycares are usually in close contact with other children; therefore, it is recommended that children stay at home until they are fully recovered. This advice is to protect others from contracting pink eye since the disease is infectious and contagious.

Treatment for Pink Eye

The eye doctor may prescribe topical antibiotic treatment, which begins working in 24 hours. However, parents may be asked to keep children home until the infection clears up. This could take up to seven days. After the suggested time frame, the child may need a follow-up visit and a clearance letter from the doctor.

Contact our Columbia, MO Optometrist Today

Our optometrist in Columbia, MO has treated numerous eye problems, including pink eye. To get your child in to see a doctor right away, give Andrew Stone Optometry a call at (573) 445-7750.