Eye Redness in Children
This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. If your child is sick, call our office.
Common causes
Most red eyes in children are caused by a virus, allergies, or a mild irritant. Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common type and often shows up alongside a cold. Allergic conjunctivitis tends to flare during pollen season and affects both eyes. Irritants like soap, chlorine, or sunscreen can also cause temporary redness that clears on its own.
Call 911 or go to the ER
- Chemical splash in the eye (flush with water for 15 minutes on the way)
- Eye injury with visible damage to the eyeball or loss of vision
Call the doctor the same day
- Pus or thick yellow-green discharge from the eye
- Severe eye pain or your child cannot open the eye
- Vision changes or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Fever in a baby under 12 weeks with any eye redness
- Eyelid is very swollen, red, or tender to touch
Call the doctor within 24 hours
- Only one eye is red and redness has lasted more than 24 hours
- Fever lasting more than 3 days along with red eyes
- Your child wears contact lenses and has a red eye
Home care
- Gently wash eyelids with a warm, wet washcloth 2–3 times a day
- Use preservative-free artificial tears (1 drop up to 3 times daily) to soothe irritation
- Remove contact lenses until the redness is completely gone
- Wash hands frequently — viral conjunctivitis spreads easily
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye drops between family members
- Do not use leftover prescription eye drops from a previous illness
What to expect
Viral conjunctivitis usually clears in 5–6 days without antibiotics. Antibiotic eye drops do not help viral pink eye. Allergic conjunctivitis may come and go with pollen counts and can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops for children over age 3. If symptoms are not improving after a week, call the office.
Not sure if your child needs to be seen? Call us.
Call 908-755-5437