Pink Eye: When to Worry & How to Get Fast Treatment

Your child woke up with a crusty, red eye. You immediately think: pink eye.

But what do you do now? Do you need to see a doctor? Can you treat it at home? And how do you stop it from spreading to everyone else?

Here's everything you need to know to handle pink eye quickly and confidently.

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye. It's incredibly common—most kids will get it at least once before starting school. While it looks alarming, most cases are mild and treatable.

The Three Types of Pink Eye

Bacterial Pink Eye

Caused by: Bacteria (highly contagious)

Key signs:

• Thick yellow or green discharge

• Eyes "glued shut" in the morning

• Usually starts in one eye, may spread to the other

Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops (symptoms improve within 2-3 days)

Viral Pink Eye

Caused by: Viruses, often from colds (highly contagious)

Key signs:

• Watery discharge

• Both eyes usually affected

• Often comes with a cold or sore throat

Treatment: No antibiotics needed—runs its course in 7-10 days

Allergic Pink Eye

Caused by: Pollen, dust, pet dander (NOT contagious)

Key signs:

• Very itchy eyes

• Both eyes equally affected

• Happens during allergy season

Treatment: Allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops

How to Tell Which Type Your Child Has

Thick, colored discharge + crusty eyes → Bacterial (needs antibiotics)

Watery discharge + recent cold → Viral (no antibiotics needed)

Itchy eyes + allergy season → Allergic (not contagious)

Not sure? → Connect with a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis

When to See a Doctor

See a Healthcare Provider If:

• Thick yellow or green discharge (likely needs antibiotics)

• Symptoms lasting more than 3 days

• Moderate eye pain

• Blurred vision

• Child under 3 months old

• Fever over 100.4°F

Go to ER Immediately If:

• Severe eye pain

• Significant vision loss

• Extreme light sensitivity

• Eye injury or trauma

• Newborn (under 28 days) with any eye redness

The Problem with Traditional Pink Eye Care

Here's what usually happens:

Your child wakes up with pink eye. You call your doctor—earliest appointment is Thursday. Your options: wait 3 days while it spreads through the family, or spend 2-3 hours at a walk-in clinic exposing everyone to more germs.

There's a better way.

Get Pink Eye Treated Online in 10 Minutes

Pink eye is one of the easiest conditions to diagnose virtually. Healthcare providers can accurately identify the type based on photos and symptoms—no physical exam needed for most cases.

How It Works with Arlo

1. Text your symptoms Describe the discharge, when it started, any pain. Send a photo of the eye.

2. Connect with a healthcare provider in 5 minutes A licensed Canadian provider assesses the type of pink eye.

3. Get treatment instantly

• Bacterial? Antibiotic drops sent to your pharmacy

• Viral? Clear guidance on managing symptoms

• Serious? Direction to seek in-person care

Total time: 10 minutes from your couch. No waiting room. No exposing others.

What Parents Say

"My daughter woke up with pink eye on Sunday. I texted Arlo, sent a photo, and had antibiotic drops prescribed in 15 minutes. By Monday she was better. So much easier than urgent care." – Amanda, mom of 2 and an Arlo parent.

Think Your Child Has Pink Eye?

Text a healthcare provider now and get expert care without leaving home.

Arlo provides virtual medical consultations with licensed Canadian healthcare providers. In cases requiring physical examination or emergency care, our providers will direct you to seek in-person medical attention.