Conjunctivitis in Children: What It Is, Types, and Signs

Red eyes, eyelashes stuck together after sleep, tears for no reason — this is how conjunctivitis often begins in a child. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye caused by infection or allergy. In most cases, the infection resolves without medical help, usually within a couple of weeks.

What conjunctivitis in a child is

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outer membrane of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. It is this membrane that becomes red, swollen, and starts to produce mucus or pus. In everyday language, the condition is called "pink eye." Usually both eyes are affected, and the infection itself is easily transmitted from person to person. In children, bacterial and adenoviral conjunctivitis occur with equal frequency — unlike in adults, where most cases are viral.

Why conjunctivitis occurs in children and infants

There are several causes, and they determine whether the child is contagious to others. Viral conjunctivitis is transmitted by airborne droplets and causes outbreaks in kindergartens and schools. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by pyogenic bacteria, and infection can occur through dirty hands and objects. Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to allergens, such as pollen in hay fever, and it is not contagious. A separate group is irritation from chemical impurities, smoke, dust, contact lens solutions, drops, or ointments. In infants, gonorrheal conjunctivitis occurs, which develops when passing through the mother's birth canal.

How conjunctivitis manifests in a child

The picture depends on the type. In viral conjunctivitis, one eye first becomes red, then the other; stinging, tearing, photophobia, and scanty non-purulent discharge appear. Adenoviral conjunctivitis often occurs against the background of a cold, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes, sometimes with films on the conjunctiva. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces viscous gray or yellowish discharge, which causes the eyelids to stick together after sleep, along with dryness of the eye and the surrounding skin. Allergic conjunctivitis involves severe itching, eyelid swelling, and tearing without pus.

• Redness of the white of the eye and eyelid swelling
• Discharge: clear, mucous, or purulent
• Itching, burning, a sensation of sand or a foreign body
• Tearing and sensitivity to light

Features of conjunctivitis in a newborn

In babies in the first weeks of life, red and sticky eyes are a reason not to wait but to show the child to a doctor quickly. If the child is younger than 30 days, an urgent appointment is needed: at this age, the condition may be a sign of a more serious problem. In newborns, gonococcal conjunctivitis acquired during birth occurs — it is characterized first by serosanguineous and then, after 3–4 days, by abundant purulent discharge. Corneal lesions are also possible, so infants are examined especially carefully.

How a doctor establishes the diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made by examination: the doctor assesses redness, the nature of the discharge, and the condition of the eyelids and cornea. If necessary, additional tests are prescribed. If there are changes in vision, photophobia, or very pronounced redness, the specialist rules out more serious eye problems.

When a child should be shown to a doctor

You should consult a doctor if symptoms do not resolve within 7 days, if the child wears contact lenses and spots have appeared on the eyelids, and also for any redness in a baby younger than 30 days. An urgent appointment is needed for severe eye pain, photophobia, changes in vision, very red eyes, or red sticky eyes in a baby younger than 30 days.

Red eyes alone are not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if the child's condition deteriorates sharply or there is a threat to life.

This material is for reference; it helps you get your bearings but does not replace a doctor's consultation: only a specialist during an examination can say exactly what is happening with your child's eyes.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer