Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the eye.

Conjunctivitis, technically is caused by an inflammation of the membranes which line the inside of the eyelids and the surface of the eye which in everyday terms means that the eye becomes sticky, watery and the eyelids may stick together.

It is common in children, especially in children under 5 years old.

It will also have a yellowish ‘crust’ which looks a lot like sleep in the corner of their eye.

It is extremely contagious and so if your child is attending childcare/kindy/school you will be asked to refrain from them attending until treated.

The symptoms usually occur with 24-72 hours of being infected but the infection can last from 2 days to up to 3 weeks.

You remain infectious while there is a discharge.

• The discharge.
• Irritation of the eyes usually with swollen and red eyes.
• Watery eyes.
• Soreness.
• Sensitivity to light.

• The best way to treat it is with some antibiotic eye drops or antibiotic cream (you will need to establish if theses products are applicable to the age of the child). This is often the quickest way to treat it.
• You can also bathe the baby/child’s eye with sterile water and cotton wool. This is recommended even if you are using eye drops as it will clean the eye and soothe the uncomfortable and sometimes painful eye. When you bathe the eye you wipe from the nose outwards and use a different cotton ball for each wipe of each eye. You can do this with commercially bought wipes or the cotton wool & water option.
• It is important to wash your hands thoroughly so as to try to minimize cross infection.