Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition in children that causes redness, irritation, and discharge. It often results from infections (viral or bacterial), allergies, or irritants. Many cases improve with simple care at home or through telemedicine advice. However, some signs mean your child needs to be seen by a healthcare provider in person. These include severe pain, vision changes, or symptoms that worsen despite treatment. This guide helps parents recognize red flags and understand when to seek in-person care. Telemedicine can support initial evaluation and management but cannot replace hands-on exams when serious issues arise. Always watch for warning signs to keep your child safe and comfortable.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort requiring urgent evaluation
• Vision changes such as blurriness or loss of sight
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) with eye symptoms

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom review and history taking
• Providing guidance on home care and hygiene
• Advising on use of over-the-counter treatments
• Determining need for in-person evaluation

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations
• Diagnosing serious eye infections or complications
• Prescribing medications requiring physical assessment
• Managing emergencies or sudden vision loss

What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye, medically called conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the thin layer covering the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants like smoke or chlorine. Children with pink eye often have red, itchy, or watery eyes, sometimes with sticky discharge. It usually affects one or both eyes and can spread easily among kids.

Common Symptoms in Children

Symptoms of pink eye may include:

Most symptoms improve with simple care, but monitoring is important.

When to Seek In-Person Care: Red Flags

While many cases of pink eye are mild, certain signs require prompt medical attention:

If you notice any of these, take your child to a healthcare provider immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can assist by:

However, telemedicine cannot perform detailed eye exams or provide immediate treatments for serious complications.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a telemedicine appointment:

This helps the provider assess your child’s condition accurately.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. Typical steps include:

If symptoms improve, continue care until fully resolved to prevent spread or recurrence.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Prepare to describe your child’s symptoms and how long they have lasted
• Take clear photos or videos of the affected eye(s) if possible
• List any medications or treatments already used
• Note any allergies or other health conditions
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider’s instructions on medication and eye care
• Keep your child’s hands clean and discourage eye rubbing
• Monitor symptoms daily for improvement or worsening
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop or symptoms do not improve
• Complete the full course of any prescribed treatment

FAQs

Can pink eye spread from one eye to the other?

Yes, pink eye can spread from one eye to the other, especially if your child touches or rubs the infected eye and then touches the other eye. Good hand hygiene helps prevent this.

Is pink eye always contagious?

Not always. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, but allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not. It’s important to identify the cause to manage it properly.

When can my child return to school or daycare?

Children with contagious pink eye may need to stay home until symptoms improve, usually 24 hours after starting treatment or once discharge decreases. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and local guidelines.

Are antibiotics always needed for pink eye?

No, antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral and allergic pink eye usually improve without antibiotics. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and best treatment.

How can I prevent pink eye in my child?

Encourage frequent hand washing, avoid sharing towels or pillows, clean toys regularly, and keep your child’s hands away from their eyes to reduce the risk of pink eye.

Sources

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
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 in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical care.