what is pink eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens like pollen, or irritants such as smoke or chlorinated water. In kids, viral and bacterial types are most common, and can be quite contagious. That’s probably why the doctor suggested keeping him home. You might catch it if you touch your own eyes after coming into contact with the eye secretions from your brother. So maintaining good hand hygiene is key—wash your hands before and after touching his belongings, avoid sharing towels or pillows, and try to minimize any direct contact if possible. The symptoms you mentioned, like redness, itchiness, and discomfort, are typical, and usually, pink eye isn’t serious but can be. Viral conjunctivitis often clears up on its own within a week or two, while bacterial conjunctivitis might need antibiotics drops or ointment for quicker recovery. To help him feel better in the meantime, you can use cool, damp compresses on his eyes to relieve irritation and over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. If his symptoms worsen or he develops vision changes or severe pain, get in touch with the healthcare provider right away as it could indicate more severe infection. Generally, with proper care and the medication prescribed, he should start to feel better soon.