Your child probably has conjunctivitis  if the child’s eye and the inside of the lower lid is red. This is also known as pink eye. This condition  can be painful and itchy  and usually a sign of infection or other causes such as an allergic reaction or irritation.  Rarely,  it may be a sign of  a more serious infection. It is usually accompanied by tearing and discharge which is the body’s way of trying to heal the condition.

If your child has red eye, he needs to see the doctor as soon as possible. Eye infections usually last 7 to 10 days  The doctor will evaluate your child and prescribe the necessary medication if  needed.

NOTE

You should never put previously opened medication or someone else’s  medication on your child’s eye. This could lead to serious damage.

Eye infection in a newborn

During childbirth , the newborn may be exposed to bacteria while it passes though the birth canal. This may result in serious eye infection . This is why all newborns are treated with antibiotic eye ointment or drops in the delivery room. These infections are treated early to prevent serious infections.

Eye infections after the newborn period

This type is usually accompanied with redness of the eye and yellow discharge. They may make the child very uncomfortable but are rarely serious. Several different bacteria and viruses may be the cause. If your doctor diagnosis it as a bacterial infection, it will be treated with antibiotics. However pink eye which is caused  by a virus should not be treated with antibiotics.

Eye infections are very contagious

You should avoid direct contact with your child’s eyes or drainage from them except to administer drops or ointments. Avoid contact until the medication has been admitted for several days and there is evidence of  clearing of the redness . You should carefully wash your hands before and after touching the area around the infected eye.