What are the Signs of Pink Eye in Toddlers?

The primary symptom of pink eye in toddlers is often reddened eyes. The affected eyes may itch or feel scratchy, and some toddlers may even describe the irritation as painful. Discharge may seep out of the eye as well. If the case of pink eye is related to a virus, the seepage may appear watery. If bacteria causes pink eye, however, the seepage is likely to be thick and white, yellow, or greenish.

The most obvious sign of pink eye in toddlers is an irritated eye. When a toddler has this condition, the whites of the affected eye may become reddened and look as if it has been exposed to some sort of irritant. While a toddler's eyes may look red when he is tired, just waking up, or after he has been rubbing them, the reddening of pink eye is usually worse and does not fade after a short time. Additionally, pink eye may only affect one eye in some cases, making it easier to detect.

Signs of pink eye in toddlers also include complaints about the way the eye feels. In many cases, a verbal toddler who has pink eye will say that his eye itches, feel scratchy, or even hurts. A non-verbal toddler may point to his eye to show that it is irritated, rub his eye excessively, or rub his face against clothing, furniture, and other objects. Parents who notice such behavior may then examine the area and note that it appears reddened and irritated.

Discharge from the eye is also among the symptoms of pink eye in toddlers. If a toddler has a viral type of pink eye, his eye may emit a watery sort of discharge. When pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, on the other hand, the discharge that seeps from the eye may be thick and whitish or yellowish. In some cases, the discharge associated with a case of pink eye may even appear greenish. When a toddler has pink eye, crust may form on his eyelids while he sleeps; a parent may use a warn, dampened cloth to clear the hardened discharge from the toddler’s eyelids in the mornings.

If a parent notices signs of pink eye in a toddler, the typical course of action is to take the child to a doctor. The doctor will likely examine the toddler’s affected eye and prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial case of pink eye. A viral cases of pink eye may not be treated with medication but may still require evaluation by a doctor.