My Child Has Red, Itchy Eyes: Is It Pink (Sore) Eye or Just Irritation from the Haze in Singapore?
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Red, itchy eyes in children are worrying — especially when it starts spreading to the other eye, or shows up after a week at preschool. Many parents ask: “Is it pink eye, or just irritation from haze or screen time?”
Conjunctivitis or sore eyes in children is common in Singapore — particularly during periods of high haze or when viral infections are going around. Here’s a breakdown for parents who want to know what’s normal, what’s contagious, and when to worry.
What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the thin membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and eyeball. It can be:
Viral – Highly contagious, spreads in schools
Bacterial – Sticky, thick discharge, may need antibiotics
Allergic – Triggered by dust, haze, or pets; not contagious
Irritative – Caused by smoke, haze, shampoo, chlorine, or screen overuse
Singapore-Specific Causes
Haze (PM2.5 particles cause itchy eyes haze child)
Preschool spread — high chance of pink eye in kids aged 2–5
Dusty bedrooms or pets
Eye rubbing from eczema or allergic rhinitis
Long hours on tablets/TV
According to The Straits Times, conjunctivitis cases rose by 75% in 2023 compared to 2022, with increased spread seen in schools and preschools — especially among children aged 5 to 9.
How to Tell the Difference
Symptom | Viral | Bacterial | Allergic | Irritative |
Onset | Sudden | Rapid | Gradual | After exposure |
Eye discharge | Watery | Sticky, yellow/green | Clear, stringy | None |
Itching | Mild | No | Severe | Moderate |
Both eyes | Often starts in one, spreads | Often both | Both | One or both |
Other symptoms | May have fever, sore throat | Fever possible | Sneezing, runny nose | None |
Contagious? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
“My daughter came home with red eyes after a playdate. We thought it was haze. But when the second eye got red and gunky, we knew it was pink eye. Dr Daniel from Oaklife Family Clinic prescribed antibiotic drops and it cleared in a few days.”
Home Care for Mild Symptoms
Use cool compresses 2–3 times a day
Clean eyelids with cooled boiled water and cotton pads
Avoid sharing towels and pillows
Use saline eye drops or preservative-free artificial tears
Keep child home from preschool if discharge is present
When to See a Doctor
🚨 Visit a GP or paediatric clinic if:
Eye discharge is thick or crusty
Redness is worsening
Fever or cough develops
Light sensitivity or blurred vision occurs
Symptoms persist beyond 3 days
FAQs: Sore Eyes in Children Singapore
Q. How do I know if it’s pink eye or just haze irritation?
A. If both eyes are red, itchy, and watery with no fever or thick discharge, it’s likely allergic conjunctivitis from haze or dust. But if there’s sticky yellow or green discharge, swelling, or it spreads from one eye to the other, it could be viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.
Q. Is pink eye contagious?
A. Yes — viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. Your child should stay home from school until discharge has cleared and your doctor confirms they’re no longer infectious.
Q. Can I treat red eyes at home?
A. For mild symptoms:
Use cool compresses
Clean gently with cooled boiled water
Apply preservative-free artificial tears If there’s thick discharge or vision changes, consult your doctor.
Q. Should my child see a doctor immediately?
A. Yes, if:
There’s pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision
Eye is swollen shut or discharge is severe
Symptoms don’t improve within 48–72 hours
Q. Can children get allergic conjunctivitis from pets or haze?
A. Yes — haze, pet dander, dust mites, and even pollen can trigger itchy eyes haze child symptoms. These aren’t contagious but can be very uncomfortable without treatment.
Q. Will antibiotics help?
A. Only if it’s bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral pink eye doesn’t need antibiotics and usually clears on its own. Allergic conjunctivitis may benefit from antihistamine eye drops.
Our doctors at Oaklife Family Clinic will determine if it’s contagious and recommend appropriate treatment — from allergy relief to antibiotics.
Red eyes in kids can be a minor irritation — or a sign of something more contagious. If you're unsure whether it’s conjunctivitis, haze or allergy, let our doctors take a look.
