How to prepare for a video visit about Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Audience: pediatric

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition in children that causes redness and irritation. It can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants. Preparing for a video visit about pink eye helps you share important information with the healthcare provider so they can guide you on care and next steps. During the visit, you may be asked about symptoms like eye redness, discharge, itching, or pain. You might also be asked to show the child's eyes clearly on camera. While many cases of pink eye can be managed with advice from a telemedicine visit, some situations require in-person care. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek urgent care. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has severe eye pain or cannot open the eye — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child experiences vision changes or loss of vision — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Child has a high fever or appears very ill along with eye symptoms — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of pink eye symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Answering questions about pink eye causes and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical eye tests that require specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing complicated eye conditions beyond conjunctivitis.
• Treating severe eye pain, vision loss, or injuries.
• Administering or prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation.

What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye is an inflammation of the thin layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It often causes redness, swelling, and discharge. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants like smoke or dust. In children, pink eye is common and usually not serious but can be uncomfortable.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and may ask you to show the child's eyes on camera. They will look for signs like redness, swelling, discharge, or eyelid changes. Based on what they see and hear, they will give advice on care, possible treatments, and whether your child needs to be seen in person.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention, such as:

If you notice these, seek emergency care immediately.

How to Care for Pink Eye at Home

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and a quiet space for the video visit.
• Have your child's eye symptoms and history noted.
• Prepare to show the child's eyes clearly on camera.
• List any current medications or treatments your child is using.
• Be ready to describe any recent contacts with others who have eye infections.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on eye care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Keep your child's hands clean and avoid eye rubbing.
• Avoid sharing personal items to prevent spreading infection.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.

FAQs

What causes pink eye in children?

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants like smoke or dust. Viral infections are the most common cause in children.

Is pink eye contagious?

Yes, viral and bacterial pink eye can spread easily through close contact or sharing items like towels. Good hand hygiene helps prevent spreading.

Can pink eye go away on its own?

Many cases of viral pink eye improve without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. However, bacterial pink eye may need antibiotic treatment.

When should I seek emergency care for my child's pink eye?

Seek emergency care if your child has severe eye pain, vision changes, cannot open the eye, or has a high fever with eye symptoms.

Can I use over-the-counter eye drops for my child's pink eye?

Some over-the-counter drops may relieve symptoms, but it's best to ask your healthcare provider before using any eye drops, especially in children.

Sources

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Conjunctivitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.