How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Red Eye in Children

Audience: pediatric

Red eye in children can be caused by many issues, ranging from mild irritation to more serious conditions. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice and initial care without leaving home. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, look at your child's eye through video, and guide you on next steps. It's important to prepare well for the visit by having good lighting and a clear view of the eye. Some red eye causes can be treated remotely, but others need in-person care. Knowing the warning signs that require urgent attention can keep your child safe. This guide helps you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has severe eye pain or discomfort — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden changes in vision or inability to open the eye — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Red eye accompanied by high fever, vomiting, or severe headache — go to emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate red eye without severe pain or vision loss.
• Allergic conjunctivitis and irritation advice.
• Follow-up for known eye conditions with stable symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe eye pain or trauma.
• Sudden vision changes or loss.
• Signs of serious infection or systemic illness requiring urgent care.

What Causes Red Eye in Children?

Red eye can happen for many reasons in children. Common causes include allergies, infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), irritation from dust or smoke, or injury. Sometimes, red eye comes with other symptoms like discharge, pain, or vision changes. Understanding the cause helps decide the right care.

When Is Telemedicine a Good Choice?

Telemedicine works well for mild to moderate red eye cases where you can show the child's eye clearly on camera. It is useful for getting advice on eye drops, allergy treatments, or when to watch and wait. It can also help decide if a visit to a clinic or emergency room is needed.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with good natural or artificial light. Have a clean cloth or tissue ready in case you need to gently wipe the eye. Keep a list of your child's symptoms, when they started, and any medicines used. If possible, have a smartphone or tablet with a good camera to show the eye clearly.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms like redness, pain, discharge, or changes in vision. They may ask you to show the child's eye close-up on video. Based on what they see and hear, they will suggest treatments or recommend an in-person exam if needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, eye injury, or a red eye with a high fever, seek emergency care. These signs may indicate serious problems that need urgent treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit room for the visit.
• Have a device with a good camera ready (smartphone, tablet, or computer).
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms and when they started.
• Gather any medicines or eye drops your child is using.
• Have a clean cloth or tissue nearby to gently clean the eye if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Use prescribed eye drops or medications as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose all causes of red eye in children?

Telemedicine can help identify many common causes of red eye, especially mild cases. However, it may not detect all serious conditions, so in-person exams are sometimes necessary.

What should I do if my child’s red eye gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, especially with pain, vision changes, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine providers will advise when urgent care is needed.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter eye drops for my child’s red eye?

Some over-the-counter drops may help, but it’s best to get advice from a healthcare provider before use, especially in children, to avoid harm or delay proper treatment.

How can I help my child during the telemedicine visit?

Help your child stay calm and still. Use good lighting and a camera to show the eye clearly. Be ready to answer questions about symptoms and history.

Sources

1. Red Eye in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Eye Problems in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional in person.