Your child probably has conjunctivitis if the white part of his eye and the lower lid is red.   This condition is also known as pink eye and is caused by inflammation.  It can be painful and itchy  and is usually a sign of  eye infection. It may also be due to other causes such as an irritation, allergic reaction and rarely  a more serious condition.

It is usually accompanied by tearing and discharge which is the body’s way of trying to heal or rectifying  the situation.

Eye infections in a newborn

Newborn’s can get severe eye infection during child-birth. This may result from exposure to  bacteria during passage through the birth canal. This is why all babies  are treated with antibiotic eye ointment  or drops  in the delivery room. This infection must be treated early to prevent serious infections.

Eye infections after the newborn periods

These infections may result in redness of the eye and the yellow discharge that accompanies it. This may make your child uncomfortable but is rarely serious. It may be caused by several bacteria and viruses. Your pediatrician will give you an antibiotic eye drops if it is caused by a bacteria. Eye infections caused by viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Is eye infection contagious ?

Eye infections are  very contagious. You should avoid direct contact with the child’s eye or drainage until medication has been used for several days and the redness is clearing. The only time you should come into contact with it is when administering  drops or ointment. You need to wash your hands before and after touching the area around the infected eye.

NOTE

You need to see your pediatrician immediately if your child has red eyes. The doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary medication if need be. Never put previously opened medication or someone else’s  medication on your child’s eye. It can cause serious damage. Eye infections usually last 7 to 10 days.