If your child suddenly wakes up with red, watery eyes and a sticky discharge, it might just be viral conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye). It can look alarming, but in most cases, it’s mild and clears up on its own with rest, hygiene and a little TLC.

Here’s what we’ve learned as parents navigating through it (so you don’t have to panic the next time those eyes look suspiciously red).

What is viral conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an eye infection caused by a virus. It makes the white part of the eye look red or pink, and often comes with watery discharge, itchiness or a gritty feeling, like there’s sand in the eye. It usually affects both eyes (though it may start in one) and often shows up along with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or mild fever.

Because it’s caused by a virus — just like the common cold — antibiotics won’t help. It usually clears up on its own within 5 to 7 days, though it can be contagious during that time, especially among kids who touch their faces a lot.

Common symptoms:

• Red or pinkish eyes (usually both, though one may start first)
• Watery discharge
• Itchy or gritty feeling in the eye
• Crusting around the eyelids, especially in the morning
• Sometimes, mild sensitivity to light or slightly swollen eyelids

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How it spreads

Like a cold, viral conjunctivitis spreads through touch, like sharing towels, pillows or face cloths, touching the infected eye and then touching surfaces or sneezing or coughing (less common but possible).

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Please keep your child home

Once your child has been diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis by the doctor, it’s important to keep him or her at home to rest and recover. Most doctors will issue a medical certificate (MC) for around 5 to 7 days — this is the typical contagious period, even if your child seems to be feeling better or exhibit no obvious symptoms after a couple of days.

Do also inform your IFC, preschool or childcare centre. They’ll appreciate the heads-up to notify other parents and schedule a thorough cleaning of shared spaces and toys, which helps contain the spread.

IFCs, preschools or childcare centres will usually require your child to stay home until the discharge clears and the eyes are no longer red.

We understand that staying home for a week can be especially challenging for working parents, especially without extra help. But viral conjunctivitis spreads very quickly, and isolation during this period really does make a difference — for your child’s health, and for others in the community too.

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When to see a doctor

Experienced parents might choose to wait and observe — especially if the eye looks mildly red and there’s no fever or pain. In many cases, viral conjunctivitis clears up on its own within a few days.

But if your child is enrolled in school or childcare, you may still need to bring them to the doctor. Even if it’s confirmed to be viral, a medical certificate is often required for re-entry, just to be safe and prevent further spread.

Definitely pop in to see a doctor if:

• There’s yellow or green pus (may point to bacterial conjunctivitis).
• The eyes are very painful or sensitive to light.
• Symptoms worsen after a few days instead of improving.
• There’s vision changes or extreme swelling.

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What helps (and what to expect)

Keep the eyes clean.

Use a clean, damp cotton pad (one per eye!) to gently wipe away any discharge. Always wipe outward from the corner of the eye and discard the pad after each use.

Practice good handwashing.

Everyone in the household should wash their hands frequently — especially after touching their face or eyes.

Don’t share.

Keep towels, pillowcases, washcloths, and even eye drops separate. If possible, change them daily to prevent the infection from spreading to other family members.

No rubbing.

This one’s tough with kids! Try distracting them with activities or offering a cool, damp compress if their eyes feel itchy or uncomfortable.

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Let it run its course.

Since it’s viral, antibiotics won’t cure the infection. Most cases clear up on their own in 5–7 days. That said, doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment — not because they treat the virus, but to prevent a secondary bacterial infection while the eye is vulnerable.

The eyes may look worse before they look better — red, watery, crusty, and sometimes a little alarming to see. But as long as there’s no major swelling, severe pain, or vision changes, it usually just takes time, patience and simple supportive care for viral conjunctivitis to clear.

Hang in there — a few rough days often lead to a full, healthy recovery.

DISCLAIMER:

This post is written from one parent to another, based on lived experiences. It’s meant to offer comfort and support — but not to replace medical advice. If you’re unsure about your child’s symptoms or care, please consult your doctor or a healthcare professional you trust.