It starts with an eye rub at breakfast, maybe a complaint about an itchy eye. By the time you get a good look, your child’s eye is red and watery.
If your stomach sinks a bit, you’re not overreacting. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) has a reputation for spreading fast among groups of children, and most parents have at least one story about an outbreak working its way through a classroom or daycare room.
The good news is that pink eye is usually easy to recognize and, in many cases, manageable once you know what you are dealing with. It can be uncomfortable, but with the right care, your child can be on the mend.
Here’s what you need to know.
Common Pink Eye Symptoms
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, happens when the clear membrane that lines the eye and inner eyelid becomes inflamed. It’s usually caused by bacteria or a virus, but can also be triggered by allergies.
Pink eye tends to show up with a recognizable set of symptoms:
- Redness in the white part of the eye
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Crusty eyelids, especially after sleep
- Drainage or discharge
- Sensitivity to light
These symptoms can affect one eye or both, and they sometimes show up alongside a cold or other respiratory symptoms.
When to Visit KidsStreet for Pink Eye
A same day visit is often a good idea if your child’s eye has noticeable redness along with drainage, seems uncomfortable or painful, or appears to be getting worse rather than better. It’s also worth coming in if symptoms seem to be spreading to a sibling, or if your child’s school or daycare requires a note before they can return.
Even if you are simply unsure what you are looking at, a quick evaluation can clear things up.
Since pink eye can be viral, bacterial, or related to allergies, a visit to urgent care for kids can help you understand what may be causing your child’s symptoms. Our urgent care services for children page has more on how our team evaluates eye symptoms and what to expect during your visit.
School and Daycare Considerations: When Can You Return?
Many schools and daycares have their own specific policies about pink eye, and these can vary quite a bit from one place to another.
Some require a note confirming a child is no longer contagious, while others simply ask families to keep a child home until symptoms clear up. It’s always worth checking with your school or daycare directly so you know exactly what they expect before your child returns. If your child needs documentation before returning, ask about a return-to-school letter during the visit.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Pink Eye
While most pink eye cases are mild, certain eye symptoms call for emergency care rather than a same day visit. These include any eye injury, severe eye pain, sudden vision changes or blurred vision, noticeable swelling around the eye, or exposure to a chemical or irritant. These signs go beyond typical pink eye and need prompt attention.
Visit KidsStreet for Pink Eye Symptoms
Eye symptoms can be unsettling to look at, even when they turn out to be fairly simple to treat. KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week! Our team can take a look and help you figure out the best next step for your child.
Register online to save your spot in line! Online registration is not an appointment, but it can help reduce in-clinic wait times by adding you to the queue before you arrive.
Get clarity on what may be causing your child’s eye symptoms and what to do next.
For more help deciding when pediatric urgent care is the right choice, read our complete guide: When to Take Your Child to Urgent Care: A Parent’s Guide.