The Parent's Guide to Pink Eye

First published September 2015
Updated September 2026

Your child wakes up with eyes matted shut. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you search for a quick solution. You remember this happening when you were a kid, but it was so long ago! Then it comes to you: warm water on a washcloth and gentle wiping. That will separate those eyelids and get your child seeing again. But then what?

The right answer depends on the cause of the problem. Several conditions can result in red, watery eyes and matted eyelids. Evaluating other symptoms and knowing when to contact your child’s medical provider will help you determine the next step.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is a viral infection of the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This is common when your child has a cold.

Viral conjunctivitis is contagious and may spread from one eye to the other. Because it is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not help. Most cases are mild and clear in about a week.

Treatment focuses on comfort. A clean cool or warm compress and artificial tears may help relieve irritation. Encourage your child not to rub or touch their eyes. Wash hands frequently, avoid sharing towels and washcloths, and clean commonly touched surfaces to help prevent the infection from spreading.

If your health care provider suspects a more serious viral infection, such as one caused by the herpes virus, antiviral medicine and prompt evaluation by an eye specialist will be needed.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria infecting the conjunctiva. The drainage is often thicker and may be yellow or green, causing the eyelids to stick together. However, symptoms alone do not always make it easy to distinguish bacterial conjunctivitis from a viral infection.

Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may improve without antibiotics. In some cases, your provider may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to shorten the infection or reduce the risk of complications. Newborns with red, watery eyes should be evaluated right away because infections at that age can be serious. Children who wear contact lenses should remove them and immediately contact their health care provider.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Environmental allergies are another common cause of eye symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, follows a seasonal pattern, and occurs with other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or a clear runny nose.

Treatment includes avoiding the allergen, oral allergy medicine, and antihistamine eye drops. Your child’s health care provider can recommend an age-appropriate treatment.

Foreign Bodies, Injuries, and Other Eye Problems

While conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable, true or persistent eye pain should be evaluated right away. A foreign object, scratch on the surface of the eye, or other eye conditions can also cause redness and drainage.

Contact a health care provider if your child has worsening symptoms, eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. An eye injury or chemical exposure may require urgent evaluation.

Can My Child Go to School with Pink Eye?

A child with red, watery eyes does not always need to stay home. Keep your child home if they have a fever, feel too sick to participate, or cannot avoid close contact with others. Ask your child’s health care provider when it is safe to return and check your school’s policy because local requirements may differ.

Good handwashing remains one of the best ways to limit the spread of pink eye. Remind children not to touch their eyes and not to share towels, washcloths, pillows, or eye products.

Pink Eye Is Common. Know When to Ask for Help!

Here’s the bottom line: red, watery eyes are common, and many cases get better on their own. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, irritants, injuries and other problems can cause similar symptoms, but they require different treatments.

So go ahead and grab a washcloth and gently clear the drainage. Then consider the full picture: Does your child have pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light, intense redness, a fever, or worsening symptoms? If so, or if you are unsure what is causing the problem, contact your child’s health care provider for advice.