Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Children (Ages 6–17)
Fast, MD-only pediatric eye care — from home, for a flat $49.
Red, sticky eyes and yellow discharge can be scary, but most pediatric “pink eye” is mild, treatable, and perfect for a video visit. At TeleDirectMD, every visit is handled by a board-certified MD — never a mid-level — with clear safety rules for when your child needs in-person care.
- Board-certified MD every visit
- Ages 6–17, secure video-only
- $49 flat fee, no insurance required
- Prescription sent to your pharmacy when appropriate
What Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Kids?
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva — the thin membrane covering the white of the eye. It causes red eyes, yellow or green mucopurulent discharge, sticky eyelashes, and mild irritation. Not all “pink eye” is bacterial: many cases are viral or allergic, which behave differently and do not always need antibiotics. Our MDs are trained to distinguish between these patterns through a video visit and to prescribe safely when bacterial infection is likely.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate (Ages 6–17)
- Red eye with yellow or green discharge
- Sticky lashes or crusting in the morning
- Mild eyelid swelling without severe pain
- Clear vision without blurriness
- Irritation and tearing, but no light sensitivity
- Symptoms in one or both eyes
- No recent eye trauma
Red-Flag Symptoms: Go In-Person or ER
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Significant eye pain, not just irritation
- Bright light hurts your child’s eyes
- Swelling or redness around the eyelids or orbit
- Fever with eye symptoms
- Eye bulging or trouble moving the eye
- Recent eye injury or foreign body
- Severe pain in a contact lens wearer
How TeleDirectMD Diagnoses and Treats Pediatric Pink Eye
Bacterial vs Viral vs Allergic Pink Eye
Most childhood conjunctivitis falls into three patterns. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes thick yellow or green discharge and lashes that stick together. Viral conjunctivitis often causes watery discharge and is associated with a recent cold. Allergic conjunctivitis tends to affect both eyes at once with itching and clear tearing, often during allergy season. Our MDs use these patterns, along with a video eye exam, to determine the likely cause.
First-Line Treatments Our MDs May Use
- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
- Trimethoprim–polymyxin B eye drops
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
We do not use steroid eye drops or fluoroquinolone drops as first-line treatment in routine pediatric conjunctivitis visits, and we avoid unnecessary oral antibiotics for simple pink eye.
Why Virtual Care Works
Bacterial conjunctivitis is primarily diagnosed by visual pattern recognition rather than lab testing. Because symptoms are externally visible, a secure video visit allows our board-certified MDs to assess the eyes, identify red or yellow discharge, check for conjunctival irritation, and rule out red-flag features that need in-person care.
Home Care Tips
- Gently clean discharge with warm water and cotton pads
- Use warm compresses several times per day for comfort
- Encourage frequent handwashing
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, or washcloths
- Discourage rubbing or touching the eyes
School & Daycare Return
Many schools allow children with bacterial conjunctivitis to return after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, as long as discharge is improving and your child can avoid rubbing their eyes. Always follow your school or daycare’s specific policy.
Pediatric Pink Eye FAQs
Does every child with pink eye need antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics only help bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral and allergic cases require different treatment, and our MDs will determine the correct approach during your child’s video visit.
How do I know if my child’s pink eye is serious?
Serious symptoms include eye pain, light sensitivity, eyelid swelling, fever, or vision changes. These features suggest deeper eye involvement and require an in-person exam.
Is bacterial conjunctivitis contagious?
Yes. Bacterial pink eye spreads easily through hand-to-eye contact, shared towels, pillowcases, and close contact with other children.
Are antibiotic eye drops safe for children?
Yes. First-line pediatric ophthalmic antibiotics such as erythromycin and trimethoprim–polymyxin B are widely used and safe when prescribed appropriately.
Can virtual care really diagnose pink eye accurately?
Yes. Conjunctivitis symptoms are externally visible, so an MD can assess redness, discharge, and red-flag symptoms through video and decide whether antibiotics are needed or if in-person care is safer.
TeleDirectMD provides evidence-based pediatric telemedicine for ages 6–17, including eye infections, respiratory illnesses, skin concerns, and appropriate medication refills. All visits are with a board-certified MD, with strict safety criteria and clear guidance on when in-person care is required.