Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection, especially among children under five. It refers to an inflammation (swelling and redness) of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Signs and symptoms

Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection (virus or bacteria) or by an allergic reaction. It is not always clear which type of conjunctivitis is present, as both cause redness and swelling of the conjunctiva.

Bacterial Conjunctivits

Both eyes are almost always infected with bacterial conjunctivitis, although it may start in one eye. There is likely to be a gritty feeling and pus.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis from a virus may involve one or both eyes, causing red itchy eyes with a discharge.

Allergy

If the inflammation is the result of an allergy, there are often other signs of hay fever, including itchy nose and sneezing or a history of other allergic conditions. The eyes are itchy and watery.

Other Symptoms

Redness behind the eyelid, spreading up the white of the eye
Swelling of the eye/s, appearing puffy
Excessive tears
A discharge from the eye, which dries when the child sleeps, causing crusting around the eyelids

Your child may also experience:

Photophobia (a dislike of bright lights)
Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 72 hours of becoming infected and last from two days to three weeks.

Causes

Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection (virus or bacteria), which is highly contagious or by an allergic reaction which is non contagious.

You could develop conjunctivitis if you come into contact with:

Discharge from the eyes, nose or throat of an infected person through touch, coughing and sneezing
Contaminated fingers or objects
In summertime, conjunctivitis can be spread when kids swim in contaminated water or share contaminated towels
You will remain infectious as long as there is a discharge from your eye.

Treatment

Viral conjunctivitis

There is no specific treatment, it will get better on its own. Gentle cleaning of the eyes with cotton balls soaked in warm water may help them feel better. Clean in one direction only (either towards the nose from the outside in, or away from the nose, whichever is easier) discarding the cotton ball each time to prevent recontamination. DO NOT CLEAN INSIDE THE EYELIDS AS THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CONJUCTIVA.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

May need antibiotic ointment or drops from your doctor. Treatment should be applied to both eyes, even if only one eye appears to be infected.

Allergic conjunctivitis

May be helped by treatment used in conditions such as hay fever eg antihistamines.

Follow-up

See a doctor if your child has:

Severe pain
Problems with their vision/eye sight
Increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids and around the eye
Is generally unwell and has a fever (temperature over 38^oC)

Key points to remember

Conjunctivitis can be an infectious or allergic condition: if infectious it is often highly contagious
Symptoms last from two days to three weeks
Be sure to wash hands with warm soapy water often to prevent the infection spreading to others
Do not share eye drops, tissues, make-up, towels, or pillowcases with other people
Children with conjunctivitis should be kept home from childcare and school
The child is infectious until discharge from eye has disappeared.