Practicing good hygiene is the best way to protect your kids from eye infections. One of the most common infections contracted by kids is conjunctivitis, and if your child is affected, make sure your family is using these best practices to avoid the spread of this infectious illness:
- Encourage your children to wash their hands often
- Teach them to avoid touching their eyes
- Encourage them to use fresh towels, washcloths, handkerchiefs, and tissues to wipe their face and eyes
- Do not share pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, or eye makeup
- Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels often in hot water and detergent
If the inside of your child’s eyelid is red, as well as the white of the eye, he or she may very well have conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious; allergic pink eye is not. In some less common cases, it can signal a serious condition. Pink eye often causes watery eyes, itching, burning, or discharge.
A cool, wet washcloth on your child's closed eyelids can ease the discomfort. To make one, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in cool water and wring it out. If there is an infection in one eye alone, avoid using this same cloth on both eyes so you won’t spread the infection to the healthy eye. Over-the-counter artificial tears can also be helpful here. Use separate drop bottles for the infected eye and the healthy eye, and throw away drops used during the infection.
Wash your hands before and after touching the area around your child's eyes, and keep up these habits until the redness and discharge are gone.
See a doctor if your child has eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision that does not clear when discharge is wiped away, intense redness, symptoms that get worse or do not improve, bacterial pink eye that is not better after 24 hours of antibiotics, or a weakened immune system. A newborn with red or watery eyes or other pink eye symptoms should see a doctor right away. Never use old, opened eye drops or drops prescribed to someone else in your child's eyes. Do not share eye drops, and throw away drops used during the infection.
The Classic Vision Care team understands how important the gift of sight is, and we strive to provide quality eye care to all our patients. We have offices in Kennesaw and East Cobb/Marietta. To learn more about the services we offer, you can schedule a consultation online or simply call our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
How should parents handle kids eye infections like pink eye in children?
Pink eye in children is one of the most common kids eye infections. Here is current guidance on home care, doctor visits, and school.
What pink eye is. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) causes redness or swelling of the white of the eye or the inner eyelid [1]. Viruses, bacteria, and allergies are the most common causes [1]. Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious; allergic pink eye is not [1][4]. Children are more likely than adults to get pink eye from bacteria or viruses, and these germs spread easily in schools and day care centers [4].
Stop the spread at home. Have your child wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes [3]. Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels often in hot water and detergent [3]. Do not share pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, or eye makeup [3].
Comfort care for pink eye in children. A cool, wet washcloth on closed eyes and over-the-counter artificial tears can ease redness and dryness [2][4]. Use separate drop bottles for the infected eye and the healthy eye, never share drops [3], and throw away drops used during the infection [4].
Antibiotics do not fix every case. Antibiotics will not improve viral pink eye, which usually clears in 7 to 14 days [2]. If pink eye lasts longer than 1 to 2 weeks, see an eye doctor [4].
When to see a doctor. Get your child seen for eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision that does not clear when discharge is wiped away, intense redness, symptoms that get worse or do not improve, or bacterial pink eye that is not better after 24 hours of antibiotics [2]. Children who wear contact lenses should stop wearing them until the eye doctor says it is okay [2].
Newborns with red eyes are urgent. A newborn with red or watery eyes should be seen by a doctor right away [1]. When infection causes it, pink eye in a newborn can be very serious [1]. After hours, go to the emergency room.
Going back to school or day care. CDC says that if your child has no fever or other symptoms, they may be allowed to return with the doctor's approval [1]. A child who still has symptoms should not attend if school means close contact with others [1]. Check your school or day care's own policy too.
Help in Kennesaw and East Cobb. Dr. Mital Patel, OD, founded Classic Vision Care. Our offices in Kennesaw and East Cobb both offer medical eye visits and children's eye exams. Eye pain is a same-day concern, so call the office nearest you during office hours, or check which eye visits are same-day. After hours, go to the emergency room.
Related reading: kids eye infections, children's eye exams, which eye visits are same-day.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "About Pink Eye" (Apr. 15, 2024)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "How to Treat Pink Eye" (Apr. 15, 2024)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "How to Prevent Pink Eye" (Apr. 15, 2024)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Conjunctivitis: What Is Pink Eye?" (published Jun. 25, 2026)
You Might Also Enjoy…
Are Glasses Better than Contacts?
Trying to decide between wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Consider all the factors, including comfort, ease, and appearance. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you see your way through this significant decision.
Why Sunglasses are Important All Year Long
No doubt you always have your favorite shades close by all summer. But sunglasses protect your eyes all year long, even during darker winter months. Learn how they shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays any time of year.
How Astigmatism Affects Your Vision
Astigmatism causes a variety of symptoms ranging from blurred vision to eye discomfort and pressure. Understand how a comprehensive eye exam can pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and get your sight back on track.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Could you be at risk for glaucoma? The short answer is that everyone, especially seniors, is at risk for glaucoma. Learn how to lessen your odds of losing your sight through early detection and treatment.
5 Steps to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease
People with diabetes are more vulnerable to certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Learn what steps you can take to slow their progression and potentially avoid them in the first place.
Am I a Candidate for Contact Lenses?
If you need vision correction, contact lenses are a popular option. If you’re simply tired of your glasses or just looking to see the world more clearly, discover whether contact lenses may be the perfect fit for you.
