Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

    Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the lining of the white part of the eyes as well as the inner eyelids, and it can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens (such as pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees, as well as animal dander, dust, etc.), and irritants (such as soap, shampoo, chlorine, smog, smoke, etc.).  You may see the following symptoms:  redness of the sclera (white part of the eyes) and/or inner eyelids, a watery or yellowish discharge which may make the eyelids stick together (especially after sleeping), eye itching, or discomfort.


    Doctors treat infectious conjunctivitis differently than allergic/irritant conjunctivitis.  If your child has yellowish discharge along with eye redness, it is probably infectious conjunctivitis which is usually caused by a virus (especially if your child has a cold) but it can turn into a secondary bacterial infection.  Your child's doctor would treat a suspected bacterial infectious conjunctivitis with antibiotic drops for 5-7 days.  Your child is contagious and can spread the infection by rubbing the eyes and touching other people or objects that others may touch.  Proper hygiene and hand-washing is important.  You may use a warm washcloth to remove any discharge from your child’s eyes.  Call if your child complains of any significant eye pain or change in vision, if the skin around the eye appears to be infected, if the eye appears to be bulging, or if your child does not get better after finishing the antibiotic eye drops.

    If your child has itchy watery eyes and redness but not any pus, then it is more likely allergic conjunctivitis, especially if your child has nasal allergy symptoms.  There are various allergy eye drops over-the-counter, but your pediatrician may also prescribe prescription allergy drops as well.  Call if your child’s symptoms persist.