Key points to remember

• conjunctivitis is a common problem in children
• it causes red, irritated and sticky eyes
• it is commonly caused by an infection (virus or bacteria) or allergies
• if caused by infection it is often very catching (contagious)
• symptoms can last from two days to three weeks
• good hygiene (especially hand washing) can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis

What is it?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation (swelling and redness) of the clear layer (membrane or conjunctiva) which covers the white part of the eye and the lining of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is sometimes called ‘sticky eye’ or ‘pink eye’.

What causes it?

Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by:

• an infection (virus or bacteria) - this is called infective conjunctivitis and is catching (contagious)
• an allergic reaction – this is called allergic conjunctivitis and is not catching (not contagious)

Other causes include:

• blocked tear duct - referred to as a sticky eye
• injury to the eye or something in the eye (foreign body)
• chemicals splashed in the eye

How long could it last?

The symptoms can develop quickly over 24 to 72 hours and may last from two days to two to three weeks.

What are the signs and symptoms?

It can be difficult to tell whether an allergy, bacteria, or a virus is causing the conjunctivitis as redness and swelling of the conjunctiva occurs in them all.

Bacterial conjunctivitis may start in one eye but often moves to the second eye. The eyes are likely to be red and feel gritty (like having sand in the eye) and have a clear, green or yellow (pus-like) discharge.  This discharge can form a crust overnight and cause the eyelids to stick together.

Viral conjunctivitis is more likely to be in just one eye and often causes red and gritty eyes with a more watery discharge. The symptoms may appear in a mild form together with any flu-like illness.

Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, itchy and watery eyes, and often happens along with other signs and symptoms such as itchy nose and sneezing.

Blocked tear duct (in a newborn baby) stops tears draining properly (this is called epiphora), and can cause a teary or mucous discharge referred to as a sticky eye.

Trauma to the eye or something in the eye (foreign body) - causes irritation, redness and tearing. Small children may not be able to explain what has happened and eye injuries and foreign bodies may go unnoticed.

Chemicals splashed in the eye - causes severe pain and watery discharge

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Your lead maternity carer (LMC), well child nurse or family doctor will enquire about symptoms and look for signs on examination. Swabs to test for infection are hardly ever done in routine cases.

It can be difficult to tell whether an allergy, bacteria, or a virus is causing the conjunctivitis as redness and swelling of the conjunctiva occurs in them all.

Bacterial conjunctivitis may start in one eye but often moves to the second eye. The eyes are likely to be red and feel gritty (like having sand in the eye) and have a clear, green or yellow (pus-like) discharge.  This discharge can form a crust overnight and cause the eyelids to stick together.

Viral conjunctivitis is more likely to be in just one eye and often causes red and gritty eyes with a more watery discharge. The symptoms may appear in a mild form together with any flu-like illness.

Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, itchy and watery eyes, and often happens along with other signs and symptoms such as itchy nose and sneezing.

Blocked tear duct (in a newborn baby) stops tears draining properly (this is called epiphora), and can cause a teary or mucous discharge referred to as a sticky eye.

Trauma to the eye or something in the eye (foreign body) - causes irritation, redness and tearing. Small children may not be able to explain what has happened and eye injuries and foreign bodies may go unnoticed.

Chemicals splashed in the eye - causes severe pain and watery discharge

You should see your doctor if:

• you are concerned about the severity of your child’s symptoms

• your child of any age complains of / has:

• severe eye pain
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• any blurred or reduced vision
• any injury to the eye (such as being hit or scratched)
• chemicals in the eye
• is generally unwell and has a fever (temperature over 38^oC)
• increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids and around the eye

• your newborn baby has swelling, redness or a pus-like discharge from the eyes - conjunctivitis in newborns can be caused by an infection from bacteria in the birth canal, and this can cause serious damage to the eyes if it isn't treated urgently.

How can this be prevented?

Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis:

• keep hands away from the eyes
• do not rub the eyes
• wash pillowcases frequently
• wash hands often and use paper towels for drying
• do not share eye drops, towels, pillow slips
• proper use and care of contact lenses

What about staying away from school or preschool?

Children should not attend childcare centres or school when they:

• have a fever or are unwell
• have a lot of discharge from the eye
• are too young to manage clearing the discharge from their eyes hygienically

Older children and young people do not need to stay away from school or work but still need to wash hands thoroughly if the eyes are touched.

Where to go for more information

On this website
Your baby’s eyes

Acknowledgements