Conjunctivitis

Also known as Pink Eye.

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection to affect children. It is called Pink Eye due to the colour of the tissues seen when you pull the eyelid back. Conjunctivitis is generally contagious but causes no damage to your child's vision. There isn't really any pain involved, it is more a case of discomfort. After a couple of days, there is normally a discharge from the eye. If the conjunctivitis is bacterial the discharge will be heavier and thicker. In viral conjunctivitis the discharge is thinner and possible clear.


Symptoms

There are three main types of conjunctivitis:

Viral conjunctivitis 
- Watery discharge 
- rritation 
- Red eye 
-Infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the other one.

Allergic conjunctivitis 
-Usually affects both eyes 
-Itching 
-Tearing 
-Swollen eyelids 

Bacterial conjunctivitis 
-Stringy discharge that may cause the lids to stick together, especially after sleep.
-Swelling of the conjunctiva 
-Redness 
-Tearing 
-Irritation and/or a gritty feeling 
-Usually affects only one eye, but may spread easily to the other one.


What to Do

Both the allergic and bacterial versions can be cured through antibiotics if necessary.
However there is no cure for the viral strain but it should cure itself within three weeks.
Consult your doctor.