Pink Eye Information
get the facts
by Robin Halemeyer, RN, BSN, IL-CSN
April 20, 2009
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjuctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections (such as bacteria and viruses), allergies, or substances that irritate the eyes.
Good hand washing can prevent the spread.
Symptoms include redness of eye, white or yellow discharge on the eyelids, and eye pain. If your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor.
Pink eye is
contagious, so students with pink eye are excluded from school
for 24 hours after treatment has begun or are seen by a
physician and cleared for school readmission. Please bring the
doctor’s note to school that lets us know he/she is okay to return
to school. 
