​Pink E​ye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is an infection of the transparent membrane (known as the conjunctiva) of your eye, which covers it. When blood vessels become inflamed, your eye becomes red andwdew the engorged vessels are visible on the eye. This can make your eyes extremely red. It might be a little irritating for your child but it is a common disease.

In some cases, pink eye recovers on its own. However, in few cases a doctor has to be consulted. Your child will be very restless during this situation and it is highly recommended that he or she doesn’t rub their infected eye as it can increase the redness. 

Pink eyes can be caused by a virus, ​​bacteria or a allergy. It may be due to a specific item, dust or even pollen. If she/he played in a chlorinated pool, the red eye can be a reaction to the chlorine. 

This infection can spread from person to person. Your child can get it by touching an infected person or by using the infected person’s tissue, for instance. It can also be transferred by wearing the infected person’s sunglasses or spectacles.

  • Redness in the eye

  • Increased tears from the affected eye

  • Burning in the eye

  • Itchiness in the eye 

  • Thick yellowish discharge from the eyes​​​

If you see that your child’s eye is reddened, he or she might have contracted the infection. It is important that you bring your child to the Children’s Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital to get prompt and quality treatment. Your child can pass on the infection to someone else easily hence precautions should be taken as soon as possible.​
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​
Your doctor will simply look at your baby’s symptoms to single out a Pink Eye. In case of a severe case of the disease, your doctor may ask for a lab test of the discharge from the eye. If your or your child’s red eye is due to an allergy, your doctor may ask you to get an allergy test done from the laboratory to see what elements you or your child may be allergic to. The Aga Khan University Hospital offers both types of allergy tests: Food and Environmental​

If your child has bacterial conjunctivitis:

This will clear out within two weeks. In case your child is very agitated, your doctor may give you medications, in the form of an ointment or eye drops, to speed up the process of recovery.

If your child has viral conjunctivitis:

There’s no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis. Your doctor may prescribe medications to ease the itching and burning. When conjunctivitis is viral, it usually starts with one eye and then infects the other eye within three to four days. Many doctors suggest that the infection should be left along to flow its usual path as it usually clears up in two weeks.

If your child has allergic conjunctivitis:

Your doctor may prescribe eye drops that control allergic reaction or help prevent inflammation.

It is important that you complete the full course of medications with your child or the infection may return.

It is also important to wash your child’s hands frequently and to keep him away from school for 2 to 3 days in order to prevent spread of infection.


​The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​


Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

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​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.​