Eye Infections in Infants & Children

If the white of your child's eye and the inside of his lower lid become red, he probably has a condition called conjunctivitis.

Also known as pinkeye, this inflammation, which can be painful and itchy, usually signals an infection, but may be due to other causes, such as an irritation, an allergic reaction, or (rarely) a more serious condition. It's often accompanied by tearing and discharge, which is the body's way of trying to heal or remedy the situation.

If your child has a red eye, he needs to see the pediatrician as soon as possible. Eye infections typically last seven to ten days. The doctor will make the diagnosis and prescribe necessary medication if it is indicated. Never put previously opened medication or someone else's eye medication into your child's eye. It could cause serious damage.

IN A NEWBORN BABY:

Serious eye infections may result from exposure to bacteria during passage through the birth canal— which is why all infants are treated with antibiotic eye ointment or drops in the delivery room. Such infections must be treated early to prevent serious complications.

EYE INFECTIONS THAT OCCUR AFTER THE NEWBORN PERIOD:

These infections may be unsightly, because of the redness of the eye and the yellow discharge that usually accompanies them, and they may make your child uncomfortable, but they are rarely serious. Several different viruses, or bacteria, may cause them. If your pediatrician feels the problem is caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops are the usual treatment. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses should not be treated with antibiotics.

EYE INFECTIONS ARE VERY CONTAGIOUS!

Except to administer drops or ointment, you should avoid direct contact with your child's eyes or drainage from them until the medication has been used for several days and there is evidence of clearing of the redness. Carefully wash your hands before and after touching the area around the infected eye. See How to Give Eye Drops and Eye Ointment.

PINKEYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)

Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation (ie, redness, swelling) of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS?

There are several kinds of pinkeye, including:

Bacterial

- Red or pink, itchy, painful eye(s).

- More than a tiny amount of green or yellow discharge.

- Infected eyes may be crusted shut in the morning.

- May affect one or both eyes.

Viral

- Pink, swollen, watering eye(s) sensitive to light.

- May affect only one eye.

Allergic

- Itching, redness, and excessive tearing, usually of both eyes.

Chemical

Red, watery eyes, especially after swimming in chlorinated water.

- Immune mediated, such as that related to a systemic disease like Kawasaki disease.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Hands become contaminated by direct contact with discharge from an infected eye, or by touching other surfaces that have been contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, and gets into the child’s eyes.

HOW DO YOU CONTROL

IT?

- Consult a health professional for diagnosis and possible treatment. The role of antibiotics in preventing spread is unclear. Antibiotics shorten the course of illness a very small amount. Most children with pinkeye get better after 5 or 6 days without antibiotics.

- Careful hand hygiene before and after touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.

- Careful sanitation of objects that are commonly touched by hands or faces, such as tables, doorknobs, telephones, cots, cuddle blankets, and toys.

Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 6th Edition (American Academy of Pediatrics)