My daughter has pink eye. How long is pink eye contagious and when can I send her back to school?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) generally remains contagious as long as the eye continues to tear and produce a discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis can last up to 10 days, and shorter if an antibiotic drop is administered. In general the patient can return to school or day care as soon as the symptoms of redness and discharge are greatly improved. Viral conjunctivitis can last for up to 14 days. There is no curative treatment for viral conjunctivitis. It is appropriate for a child to return to school or child care when tearing and discharge are greatly improved.

Answered by: Jane C. Edmond, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions

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