As a parent, you know your child’s habits and health better than anyone. If your child suddenly develops red, itchy, or watery eyes, you should kepp an eye on it to see if it may be more than just a mild irritation. Also called conjunctivitis, pink eye is a common eye infection in kids, especially in schools and daycare settings.
Below, our Avondale eye care team at Estrella Mountain Eye Care discusses how to recognize the signs early so we can can help you get the right treatment and prevent it from spreading to others.
What Is Pink Eye and Is It Contagious?
Pink eye is the inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. The most common forms of pink eye in children are viral and bacterial, and yes, pink eye is contagious in those cases. Kids can easily spread it through direct contact, shared toys, towels, or simply by rubbing their eyes and touching surfaces.
Early Pink Eye Symptoms in Kids
Pink eye symptoms in kids often start mild but can become more uncomfortable over time. In the early stages, you may notice one or both of your child’s eyes looking slightly pink or red. This is usually the first visible clue that something isn’t quite right. Along with this change in color, your child might start rubbing their eyes more than usual or complain that their eyes feel itchy or "funny."
Another early sign is watery eyes. While this could be mistaken for a normal reaction to wind or bright light, persistent tearing in just one eye—or both—can be a sign of conjunctivitis symptoms in children. If your child also wakes up with crusted eyelids or discharge on their lashes, that’s a stronger sign of a possible eye infection in kids.
Progressve Pink Eye Symptoms to Watch For
As pink eye progresses, symptoms become more noticeable. The whites of the eyes may turn a deeper shade of red, and your child might complain of burning or a gritty sensation, as if something is stuck in their eye. In bacterial cases, the eye may produce yellow or green discharge, and the eyelids can become swollen. Viral pink eye, on the other hand, is usually watery and often accompanies a cold or sore throat.
Be on the lookout for:
- More intense redness in the eye
- Thick, sticky discharge (more common with bacterial pink eye)
- Sensitivity to light
- Swollen eyelids
- General discomfort or irritability, especially in younger children
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you notice any of these pink eye symptoms in your kids, it’s best to contact an eye care provider. Early diagnosis can help ensure the right treatment—whether it’s antibiotic drops for bacterial infections or soothing care for viral or allergic conjunctivitis. Quick action can also help prevent the spread of infection to siblings, classmates, or caregivers.
If your child is showing signs of pink eye, schedule an appointment with our eye care team. At Estrella Mountain Eye Care, we’re here to provide gentle, effective care to keep your child’s vision clear and comfortable.
