Eye infections in children are a common health concern that can cause discomfort, disrupt daily activities, and, if left untreated, lead to more serious complications. From the easily recognizable pink eye to more severe conditions like orbital cellulitis, these infections can arise from various causes, including bacteria, viruses, allergens, and even injuries. Understanding the signs and symptoms of eye infections, along with appropriate preventative measures and treatments, is crucial for parents and caregivers. This article provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, and effective strategies for management and prevention of eye infection. By staying informed and vigilant, we can help ensure our children’s eyes remain healthy and their vision clear.
What is eye infection?
Conjunctivitis or commonly also known as eye infection is a common infection, especially among children under five. It is an inflammation (swelling and redness) of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Sometimes conjunctivitis is called ‘pink eye’, because the eye looks pink or red.
Sign and symptom of eye infection
Red or pink eye/eyes
Redness behind eyelids
Excessive tears
Swollen eyelids
Yellow-green crusty discharge after sleeping
Itchiness in eye/eyes
Besides all of the signs above, eye discomfort also is a common symptom. Your kids might say that it feels like there’s sand in their eyes. Pinkeye can affect one or both eyes.
eye infection
How did eye infection happen?
INFECTIOUS CONJUNCTIVITIS
It can be caused by an infection either from virus or bacterial, which is highly contagious. Your child could infected if they come into contact with:
Contaminated fingers or objects
Contaminated water or towels when swimming
The discharge from the eyes, nose or throat of an infected person through touch, coughing or sneezing.
If your kids have infectious conjunctivitis, please avoid sharing eye drops, tissues, makeup, towels or pillowcases with other people.
2. ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS
Eye infection can also be caused by an allergic reaction. It is not contagious.
The child will show signs of hay fever if the eye infection is the result of an allergy.
Signs can include an itchy or runny nose and sneezing.
Eye infection usually can be treated with antibiotics eye drops or ointment. This is some tips to parents because it can be hard to get kids to tolerate eye drops – put the drops on the inner corner of your child’s closed eye, when your child opens the eye, the medicine will automatically flow into it.
But if your child has allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy medicine.
eye infection
When to see a doctor?
It is recommended to see a doctor when your child’s conjunctivitis is not getting better after two days, or if your child has these signs:
Severe pain
Problems with their vision/eyesight
Increased swelling, redness and tenderness in the eyelids
Has fever
Persistent white spot in the cornea
Homecare
If the symptoms are mild, parents can clean the eyes with cotton balls soaked with warm water, this method will make your child more comfortable.
Parents need to clean in one direction only, which is from inner corner to outwards and discard the cotton balls each time to prevent contamination.
REFERENCES
Kids Health Information : Conjunctivitis. (n.d.). Www.rch.org.au. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/conjunctivitis/#:~:text=Conjunctivitis%20is%20a%20common%20eye
Study: Could atropine delay or prevent myopia in children? (n.d.). Www.aoa.org. https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/public-health/myopia-drops?sso=y