Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. This condition causes the eyes to become red, itchy, and irritated. Whether a person can attend school depends on the cause of the inflammation and the institution’s public health guidelines. Since certain forms are highly contagious, identifying the underlying cause determines a safe return to school.
Identifying the Types of Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is categorized into three main types: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form and is often associated with a common cold or respiratory infection. This highly contagious type typically produces a clear, watery discharge that may spread from one eye to the other.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious and is caused by bacteria. This form is distinguishable by a thicker, pus-like discharge that is often yellow, green, or gray, causing the eyelids to stick together upon waking. The contagiousness of viral and bacterial forms leads to exclusion policies.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious because it is an immune response to an allergen like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Symptoms include intense itchiness, tearing, and puffy eyelids, often affecting both eyes simultaneously. Since it is not an infection, allergic pink eye does not pose a transmission risk.
School Attendance Rules and Return Criteria
If the condition is suspected to be contagious, a student typically cannot attend school. Most school policies require the exclusion of a student presenting with symptoms of active, contagious pink eye, such as redness accompanied by discharge or matting. This exclusion policy is a public health measure intended to contain the spread of infection within the classroom.
A student with suspected contagious conjunctivitis should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause. Return criteria differ based on whether the condition is bacterial or viral. For bacterial pink eye, which is treated with antibiotic eye drops, the student is permitted to return 24 hours after the start of treatment. This time frame is considered sufficient for the antibiotics to reduce the bacterial load and minimize transmission risk.
Returning after a viral infection presents a challenge because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Viral pink eye is self-limiting and must run its course, which can take one to two weeks. The student is usually cleared to return once the discharge and excessive tearing have resolved, or with a physician’s note confirming the non-contagious stage. Students with allergic conjunctivitis may attend school once the cause is confirmed, as exclusion is not necessary.
Stopping the Spread at Home and School
Strict adherence to hygiene practices is the most effective way to prevent the spread of contagious pink eye. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is necessary after touching the eyes or applying medication. This helps remove infectious particles that can be transferred to surfaces or other people.
Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, as this transfers the discharge containing the virus or bacteria to the hands. Students should use disposable tissues to wipe away discharge and discard them immediately, rather than using a cloth. Shared items, such as towels, pillowcases, and bed linens, should be washed frequently in hot water to eliminate infectious agents.
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces at home, including doorknobs, countertops, and shared devices, can limit environmental transmission. Upon returning to school, students should be reminded not to share personal items like water bottles, makeup, or eye drops. Maintaining hygiene habits remains important even after treatment begins, as the infection remains contagious for a period.