Kids - eye infection 2

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis ("pink eye")

• This is usually accompanied by a cold.
• It often starts with just redness without discharge and then yellow eye discharge appears, especially noted when the child wakes from sleep.
• When the yellow discharge appears, this usually responds to antibiotic eye drops.
• An ear infection may accompany this in about 40% of cases.

Allergic conjunctivitis

• These children usually have a history of allergies and it may be triggerred by a contact to which the child is allergic (like a cat).
• The eye is itchy, watery and sneezing and clear runny nose may be present.
• Treatment with over-the-counter allergy eye drops and oral antihistamines may be helpful.
• If symptoms are persistent or severe, prescription allergy eye drops may be helpful

Foreign body or chemical in the eye

• A foreign body lodged in the eye or under the eyelids will cause irritation, redness and pain in the eye.
• It may sometimes be dislodged at home by gently flushing the eye with water.
• Chemicals may also be flushed.
• Consult your local poison control if chemicals are suspected.
• If pain persists after flushing or if poison control recommends it, the child should be seen by a doctor.
• A corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the cornea also needs to be ruled out.
  • persistent pain of the eye
  • a sensation like something is scratching the eye every time they blink.

Trauma

• Any significant trauma to the eye, or possiblity of a penetrating injury (like a small metallic chip from striking metal on metal) should be seen immediately.

 Periorbital cellulitis

• This presents with very swollen and red tissue around the eye caused by a bacterial infection.
• It may occur as a complication of a cold or sinus infection or as a result of an insect bite or scratch near the eye.
• The eye itself may or may not be red and there may or may not be eye discharge.
• Fever and nasal congestion may also be present.
• This is considered an emergency because these children need to be seen quickly and started on antibiotics.
• If this infection progresses quickly, they may require hospitalization and even surgery to drain the infection.

 Stye

• A stye is an acute infection of the glands located at the eyelid margin.
• There is swelling, pain, itching and redness in a small area at the lid margin.
• Treatment consists of using frequent warm compresses on the eye