Pink Eye Queens & Nassau County

Name: Pink Eye
Brand: The Pediatric Eye Center
Rating: 4.8 (342 reviews)

There are lots of eye diseases that make the eyes pink (or red). Distinguishing superficial, temporary problems from potentially blinding disease can be challenging with infants and small children. Dr. Lichtenstein has diagnosing and treating babies and children with "pink eye" for over a quarter of a century. That's a lot of pink eyes.

kid covering most of his face with his hand

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, refers to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the eye's surface. Under normal conditions, this lining is transparent, but it can swell and appear red when it becomes irritated or infected. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections, dry eyes from insufficient tear production or environmental exposure (such as wind or sun), chemical irritants, smoke, fumes, and allergies.

Classic Pink Eye Symptoms

Pinkish or reddish eye color
Eye discharge (clear, white, or yellow; watery or thick)
Burning and itchy
A feeling of grit in the eye
Achy eyes
Puffy eyelids
Slightly blurry vision
Minor light sensitivity

What Causes Pink Eye?

There are three main types of conjunctivitis, and each one behaves a little differently:

Viral Conjunctivitis

This tends to occur in epidemic form, most commonly during or shortly after a cold. It’s contagious, usually mild (but can be pretty nasty), and typically resolves on its own within 7–10 days. We can control the symptoms, but we don't have anti-viral medicines to make it go away faster.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

This type often has minimal redness but the discharge tends to be gooey, and yellow or green. Usually, the patient feels pretty good, overall, and doesn't have a cold. This does not occur in epidemics. While it is self-limited, antibiotic drops can speed resolution and help with discomfort.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

This type of pink eye is not contagious and is triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust. It often comes with itchy eyes, sneezing, and seasonal symptoms.

Is It Contagious?

Only some forms of pink eye are contagious. Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread, especially through hand-to-eye contact or shared surfaces like towels and pillowcases. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.

Good hand hygiene and avoiding eye rubbing are key to preventing the spread of infectious pink eye.

When to Call The Pediatric Eye Center

Not every red eye requires a trip to the doctor, but some do. Give us a call if you notice any of the following:

Symptoms last more than a few days to a week.
The eye is very painful or sensitive to light.
Vision is affected.
The problem keeps recurring in the same eye for months.
The cornea (clear part of the eye) looks cloudy, at all.
The child has juvenile arthritis or any other autoimmune disease.
The child has inflammatory bowel disease.
There is joint pain or swelling or redness.

Pediatric Pink Eye Treatment in Queens & Nassau County

At The Pediatric Eye Center, every red eye is evaluated by Dr. Lichtenstein with the same level of surgical-grade precision and care. And not every case is “just pink eye.” While viral or bacterial conjunctivitis may respond to supportive care or prescription drops, other conditions can look similar but require very different treatment. That’s why we don’t guess. Your child’s vision deserves a clear diagnosis and the right plan from one of NYC’s top fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologists.

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

Most of our patients find us in the same way: someone they trust sent them. That might be a local pediatrician, a school nurse, a friend from daycare, or another parent who’s been here before. We take that trust seriously, and we work hard to earn it every day.

Decades of Pediatric Surgical Experience

Dr. Lichtenstein has treated tens of thousands of children across the tri-state area. He brings more than 25 years of pediatric ophthalmology and surgical experience to each visit, and he approaches every child with the same care and clarity he’d want for his own.

Eye Exams That Actually Work for Kids

A stuffed toy. A funny voice. The world’s driest dad joke. Dr. Lichtenstein adapts to each child’s age and personality to get the best possible exam. Toddlers stay engaged. Teens feel respected. And parents get answers they can trust.

Clear, Honest Communication

We don’t rush through explanations or gloss over details. Dr. Lichtenstein believes families deserve to understand exactly what’s happening—from diagnosis to treatment to long-term care. He gives you the full picture, answers every question, and never talks down to you or your child.

Schedule a Consultation

We’ve been going to Dr. Eric for four years now, since my child was a baby. Dr. Eric is incredible! He takes his time to explain each part of the examination in a way that my daughter could understand, using simple language and fun visuals. We loved how he made the entire process engaging, especially with his Donald Duck voice! My daughter enjoys and looks forward to her eye exams.

Melisa Dreskovic

Take Extra Precautions Infant Pink Eye Treatment in Queens & Nassau County

If your infant or child has pink eye, wash your hands frequently, especially before and after touching their face, eyes, or any shared items like towels, pacifiers, or bottles. Avoid touching your own eyes, and encourage older children to do the same. Disinfect high-touch surfaces and keep bedding, washcloths, and personal items separate until symptoms clear. If your child is prescribed eye drops, follow dosing instructions carefully. Most cases improve within a few days, but call us if symptoms worsen or don’t improve as expected.

FAQ Pink Eye

Can pink eye cause long-term vision problems?

Most cases of pink eye do not cause permanent vision issues, especially when treated appropriately. However, if conjunctivitis is severe, left untreated, or mistaken for a more serious condition, it can affect the eye's surface and lead to complications. That’s why we carefully examine every red eye, rather than assuming it’s “just” pink eye.

How can I help my child tolerate pink eye drops?

Eye drops can feel uncomfortable or scary for many kids, especially toddlers. We recommend having your child lie down with eyes gently closed, then placing a drop in the inner corner of the eye. When your child blinks, the medication will flow in naturally. Our team is happy to walk you through these tips during your visit.

Can pink eye happen alongside an ear infection or cold?

Yes. In younger children, it’s common to see viral conjunctivitis develop alongside a upper respiratory infection (URI) and/or ear infection. That’s because certain viruses are really good at infecting the lining of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. While we can't cure these sorts of viral infections, antihistamine eye drops and cold compresses provide at least some symptomatic relief.

Expert Care That Puts Your Child First

With over 25 years of pediatric surgical experience, Dr. Lichtenstein knows how to care for young eyes (and calm anxious parents). Not every red eye is “just pink eye,” and not every diagnosis should be made by WebMD and a flashlight. He knows what to look for and treats every child with the same precision, perspective, and occasional dad joke he’d offer his own.

Schedule an Appointment

If your child’s eye remains red, irritated, or blurry after several days—or if you’re unsure what’s causing their symptoms—don’t wait. Call (929) 588-8570 to schedule an evaluation for pediatric pink eye treatment in Queens and Nassau County.