Question
I know this may not be your area of expertise, but I can't find a person to ask.  My question is, can an adult catch pink eye from a child that doesn't have pink eye themselves?  Thank you for your time.

Craig

Answer
Hi Craig and thanks for writing,

The simple answer is yes. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) may be triggered by a virus, bacteria, an allergic reaction (to dust, pollen, smoke, fumes or chemicals) or, in the case of giant papillary conjunctivitis, a foreign body on the eye, typically a contact lens. Bacterial and viral systemic infections also may induce conjunctivitis.

Doctors don't normally prescribe medication for viral conjunctivitis because it usually clears up on its own within a few days. Antibiotic eyedrops will alleviate bacterial conjunctivitis, whereas antihistamine allergy pills or eyedrops will help control allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. For giant papillary conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe eyedrops to reduce inflammation and itching.

Hope this helps,

Margot