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If the whites of one or both of your toddler's eyes and the lower rim of their eyelids are red, chances are they have an
infection called conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye or red-eye. The infection occurs when a virus, some bacteria, an allergen,
or some other substance inflames the transparent membrane covering the white of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids (the
conjunctiva).
As your toddler's system tries to fight the infection, their eyes may water or become crusty. It's important that you treat
the infection quickly, so its best to visit your G.P. as soon as you see the symptoms
Types of conjunctivitis
There are three types of conjunctivitis, bacterial, viral and allergic, each is described below
Bacterial conjunctivitis
If bacterial conjunctivitis
is the culprit, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic ointment or drops for you to use on your child's eyes for about seven
days. You may find the ointment easier to apply than drops: Wash your hands, then gently pull your toddler's lower eyelid
down a little bit and run a ribbon of ointment along it, when your child blinks, the ointment will get into his eye. If you're
using drops, aim them at the inside corner of your toddler's eye. This may be easiest to do this when his eye is shut. When
he opens it, the medicine will run into his eye.
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral
conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own in a week or so. Your doctor will advise you to keep the area clean by gently
washing your toddler's eyes with warm water and rubbing away the dried discharge. If your child eyes haven't improved after
two weeks, let your doctor know.
Warning: Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis
are extremely contagious. To keep this kind of infection from spreading, you'll need to wash your hands after every contact
with your child's eyes. Keep their towels, clothing, and bedding separate from yours, and wash these items regularly. The
infection will continue to be contagious until the symptoms are gone, so if your toddler goes to a nursery, you'll need to
keep him home until then. Allergic conjunctivitis
Since
allergic conjunctivitis is the result of your child's having been exposed to an irritating substance, you need to identify
the allergen and try to keep them away from it, see our article on allergies. If your toddler's eyes are making them uncomfortable, you can soothe them with over-the-counter or prescription eye drops
from your G.P. These drops are made especially for allergic conjunctivitis but always be careful to make sure that the medicine
is suitable for your child.
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