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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Eye Infections
Conjunctivitis or "pink eye" is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Causes can be infectious or noninfectious. Noninfectious causes include allergies and chemical irritants (like eye drops or cosmetics). The most common infectious causes are viral and bacterial.
Viral conjunctivitis is commonly caused by adenoviruses and enteroviruses. Viral conjunctivitis may or may not be associated with other cold symptoms (runny nose, congestion) caused by the same virus. Symptoms include a red eye or eyes, a watery discharge, and eye discomfort. Viral conjunctivitis usually runs its course and resolves without treatment. It is very contagious and spreads easily. Children should be encouraged not to touch their eyes, and to wash their hands frequently. Antibiotic eye drops will not help a viral infection and using eye drops may lead to further tearing and spread of the virus as well as possible medication side effects. Sometimes placing a warm moist teabag over the eye will help with the redness and discomfort.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common and less contagious than viral conjunctivitis. Some common causes are Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes a red eye, and discomfort. Discharge is more likely to be thicker, and white, yellow or even green. Although this disease also usually resolves without treatment, there is a chance that an infection may progress and cause damage to the eye. The treatment is with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, so most doctors will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment for any child with conjunctivitis that is associated with a thick yellow or green discharge. When using medication for conjunctivitis, or any infection, it is important not to miss doses and to continue the medication for the full amount of time.
Call the pediatrician if:
- Your child has a red eye for any reason.
- The infection has not cleared in three days with medication.
- The eyelids become red or swollen.
- Any sores develop on the eyeball.
- The vision changes.
- You are concerned.
