Eye Concerns

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation and/or infection of the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids) of the eye. It is a common eye disorder in children and can be contagious especially in daycare and school age children. Conjunctivitis may be due to a virus, bacteria, or allergies. Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include itchiness, tearing, and redness of the eye. Eyelid swelling and watery or yellow discharge may also be present.

Conjunctivitis is usually easy to treat. Viral conjunctivitis often occurs at the time of an upper respiratory infection or cold and will usually go away on its own in a couple of days. Bacterial conjunctivitis often requires treatment with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Allergic conjunctivitis responds to avoidance of the known allergens, cold compresses, and prescription or over-the-counter anti-histamines. You can use a warm compress to remove discharge. In most cases conjunctivitis can be discussed with the triage nurse and does not need to be seen in the office. If your child has conjunctivitis AND has swelling, redness, or warmth of the skin surrounding the eye then he/she should be seen by a provider.

Infants rarely get conjunctivitis. If your infant has discharge from the eye but the white portion of the eye is not pink or red then it may be a blocked tear duct. A blocked tear duct is the most common cause of tearing or discharge from the eye in children under 6 months of age. To help open the duct you can apply a warm compress 2-3 times per day and do lacrimal sac massage using a clean finger massage the inside corner of the eye near the nose 2-3 times per day.