Conjunctivitis or pink eye is inflammation of the eye which can be painful  and itchy and usually signals an infection. However it may also be due to other causes such as irritation, an allergic reaction  or a more serious condition. It is usually accompanied by tearing and discharge which is the body’s way of trying to heal or remedy a situation.

See your pediatrician immediately if you notice your child has red eye. The infection usually last 7 to 10 days. The doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe a medication if necessary.

Eye infection in newborns

Serious eye infection in newborns may be as a result of exposure to bacteria during passage through the birth canal. This is why all infants are treated with antibiotics eye ointment  or drops in the delivery room. These infections must be treated early to prevent complications.

Eye infection after the newborn period

Eye infection that occur after the newborn period may be unsightly because of redness of the eye and yellow discharge that usually accompanies them. They may make the child uncomfortable but are rarely serious. This type of infection can be caused by several different types of bacteria or viruses. If the infection is caused by a bacteria, antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed by the pediatrician. Conjunctivitis are caused by viruses and are not treated by antibiotics.

NOTE

Eye infections are very contagious. You need to administer drops or ointment . You need to  avoid direct contact with your child’s eyes and drainage  from them until the medication has been used for several days or there is evidence of clearing from the redness. You should carefully wash your hands before and after touching  the area around the infected eye.