Eye health is essential for a child’s learning and development, which is why most school districts require a vision exam before starting school. However, it isn’t always easy for parents to know what they should be doing to protect their child’s vision and how to resolve common problems, like pink eye. Here’s what you should know about pink eye and when you should visit an eye doctor. 

What Is Pink Eye? 

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an incredibly contagious condition that impacts more than three million adults and kids each year in the United States. The symptoms of pink eye include itchy, watery, severely reddened eyes that might be sensitive to light. Depending on the type of conjunctivitis your child has, they could also have swelling or mucous discharge around one or both of their eyes. 

How Is It Treated? 

The best way to treat conjunctivitis is to schedule an appointment with your child’s eye doctor as soon as possible. In addition to determining whether the problem was caused by bacteria, viruses, irritants, or allergies, a child’s pediatrician or optometrist will also prescribe drops to soothe the inflammation and resolve the infection. 

How Can You Prevent It? 

Since the bacteria and viruses that cause conjunctivitis can be picked up from touching objects or coming into contact with other children or adults, regular hand washing is important for preventing this contagious condition. Kids should also avoid touching their eyes, and fabrics that come in contact with your child’s face, like towels and pillowcases, should be washed frequently, especially if they were used by someone with pink eye.

Whether your little one has developed the symptoms of a pink eye or is simply due for a vision exam, Daniel J. Kroger OD can help. For more than 25 years, this experienced eye doctor has been assisting with everything from correcting vision problems to treating disease, helping people throughout West Chester, OH, enjoy better health. To schedule an appointment with the eye doctor, visit them online or call (513) 777-3936 today.