CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CHILDREN

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Conjunctivitis or Pink eye is an eye condition caused by an infection or allergy. It is caused by the irritation of the eye's conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the inside linings of the eyelids and the the actual eye too. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.

It is divided into two categories: newborn conjunctivitis and childhood conjunctivitis. The following are the most prevalent causes for conjunctivitis in newborns:

  • Infection from gonorrhea virus passed on during childbirth
  • Infection from Chlamydia transferred during childbirth
  • Reaction to chemicals in eye drops
  • Other bacterial causes

Childhood conjunctivitis is very common in children and large outbreaks are often seen in daycares and schools. These are the most common causes- bacteria, viruses, allergies and herples infection.

Pink eye symptoms may includes the following:

  • Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
  • Itchy, irritated eyes
  • Clear, thin drainage and increased tearing
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Stingy discharge from the eyes
  • Thick, green drainage from the eyes
  • Ear infection
  • Lesion with a crusty appearance
  • Eyes that are joined together in the morning
  • Swelling of the eyelids
  • Discoloration of the whites of one or both eyes that may be pink or red
  • Uneasy feeling when the child looks at a light
  • Burning in the eyes

Typically, thick or coloured eye discharge is exclusive to bacterial conjunctivitis which can infect one or both eyes. Viral pink eye usually causes red, itchy and watery eyes and can also affect one or both eyes. Itchiness and excessive tearing are symptoms of irritant and allergic conjunctivitis but these cases almost always appear in both eyes.

If the swelling of the child’s eye is severe and  are particularly sensitive to light, you should have him/her examined by an eye doctor immediately to rule out an injury or a more serious eye condition.

Conjunctivitis treatment is usually done based on its cause and may include allergy drops for the eye, antibiotic drops or medications.

NB: Always consult your physician or pharmacist before administering any drug

Dr. Favvy

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