1. What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition, particularly in children under five years old. It is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling and redness of the conjunctiva — the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eyeball and lining the inside of the eyelids. Because it causes the eye to appear pink or red, this condition is also known as "pink eye."
The treatment method depends on the cause of conjunctivitis in the child. The condition can stem from an infection or an allergic reaction. Among these, infectious conjunctivitis can spread quickly.
2. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis
If a child has conjunctivitis, the following signs may appear:
Red or pink eyes (one or both), accompanied by redness inside the eyelid and swelling that makes the eye appear puffy.
Increased tearing.
Yellow or greenish discharge, which may dry during sleep, forming a crust around the eyelids.
Sensitivity to bright light (photophobia).
A feeling of discomfort, as if there is sand inside the eye.
Itching and irritation that make the child rub their eyes repeatedly.
These symptoms usually begin within 24 to 72 hours after infection and can last from two days to three weeks, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
3. What causes conjunctivitis?
3.1. Infectious conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses and tends to spread easily within the community. Children are at risk of contracting the disease if exposed to:
Discharge from the eyes, nose, or throat of an infected person through touch, coughing, sneezing, or sharing personal items.
Contaminated pool water or towels.
A person with infectious conjunctivitis remains capable of spreading the disease as long as the eyes are still producing discharge. Therefore, if a child is affected, avoid sharing eye drops, washcloths, or pillowcases with others. The child should also stay home from school until the discharge has stopped, to limit transmission. Frequent handwashing is an important measure to help prevent the spread of the disease.
3.2. Allergic conjunctivitis
In addition to infection, conjunctivitis can also result from an allergic reaction. This form is not contagious but commonly occurs in children with a history of allergies.
If the cause is allergic, the child may also experience symptoms such as:
Itching and continuous tearing.
Sneezing and a runny nose, similar to hay fever symptoms.
Frequent eye rubbing due to a feeling of irritation.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not dangerous but can cause discomfort and affect a child's daily activities, particularly during high-pollen seasons or when exposed to allergens.
4. How to care for and treat conjunctivitis in children
4.1. Home care
If symptoms are mild, parents can help make the child more comfortable by gently cleaning the eyes with cotton wool soaked in warm water.
When wiping the eyes, always wipe in one direction — from the inner corner (near the nose) outward — to avoid spreading bacteria to the other eye if only one eye is infected.
Always use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each wipe to prevent reinfection.
Do not attempt to clean inside the eyelid, as this can damage the conjunctiva.
Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears, may be used to help reduce discomfort.
For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamines may help reduce itching, swelling, and inflammation. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use to ensure safety for the child.
4.2. When should a child be taken to see a doctor?
If, after two days of home care, the child's condition does not improve, or if the following symptoms appear, parents should take the child to see a doctor:
Severe eye pain.
Impaired vision, such as blurred vision or reduced visual acuity.
Swollen, red, and painful eyelids and surrounding area.
Signs of fever or the child feeling tired and lethargic.
A persistent white spot on the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye).
The doctor will determine the cause of the conjunctivitis and provide an appropriate treatment plan. If the cause is bacterial, the child may need antibiotic eye drops. In this case, both eyes should be treated even if only one is infected, and treatment should continue for two more days after the discharge disappears to ensure effectiveness.
Although conjunctivitis in children is not an overly dangerous condition, if not properly cared for it can lead to complications affecting vision. Therefore, parents should observe their child's symptoms, keep the eyes clean, prevent the child from rubbing their eyes, and limit exposure to sources of infection.
If a child shows signs of prolonged conjunctivitis or accompanying abnormal symptoms, please take the child to see an ophthalmologist at HIU Hospital for effective diagnosis and treatment.