How is it treated?

• antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed if bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, although it does get better without antibiotics
• antibiotic eye drops are available over the counter from your pharmacy (Brolene, Bleph 10 or Acetopt). If you are confident that your child does not have a severe case, and there is no history of allergy to antibiotics, you can manage most bacterial conjunctivitis independently. Remember to follow the instructions provided by the pharmacy and seek medical advice for any of the reasons listed in When should I seek help?
• viral conjunctivitis resolves by itself with time; antibiotic treatment is not effective but may be prescribed as it can be hard to distinguish between viral and bacterial causes. Sometimes viral infections can be severe and may need medical consultation

You can help the symptoms of conjunctivitis by:

• gently clearing away the discharge from the eye with a clean cloth and warm but not hot water; use a separate cotton wool ball or tissue for each eye
• using cool compresses which can relieve irritation and swelling
• washing your hands very carefully after contact with infected eyes

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How does my child get it?

Conjunctivitis can be spread through:

• contact with discharge from the eye of an infected person
• fingers rubbing the eye or other things such as towels which carry infected discharge
• in some cases, nose and throat secretions, particularly in viral conjunctivitis

A person is contagious (able to spread infection) while they have discharge from the eye.

 

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How can I prevent it spreading?

Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis:

• keep hands away from the eyes
• do not rub the eyes
• wash hands frequently, and after any contact with the eyes
• wash pillowcases frequently
• do not share towels or handkerchiefs
• replace eye cosmetics frequently
• proper use and care of contact lenses

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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 work but still need to wash hands thoroughly if the eyes are touched.

 

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What about newborns?

Newborns often have teary or mucous discharge often referred to as sticky eyes. This is because many babies are born with a blockage to their tear duct which stops tears draining properly (this condition is called epiphora). The blockage usually disappears without treatment over the first year of life. In this condition, despite persistent discharge, the eye is not red or inflamed.

 

If a newborn baby has eye swelling, redness or a pus-like discharge they should be urgently assessed by a GP (general practitioner). Conjunctivitis in newborns can be caused by an infection from bacteria in the birth canal. This can cause serious damage to the eyes if it isn't treated urgently.

 

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When should I seek help?

You should see your GP (general practitioner) or NP (nurse practitioner) if:

• you are concerned about the severity of your child’s symptoms
• you are concerned about your child's associated symptoms (high fever, irritability, ear pain)

You should see your GP urgently if your newborn baby has:

• swelling, redness or a pus-like discharge from the eyes

You should see your GP urgently if your child of any age complains of / has:

• significant eye pain
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• any blurred or reduced vision
• any injury to the eye (such as being hit or scratched)

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What about other causes?

Allergies (‘hay fever’)

This is a common condition in all age groups, and itchy and watery eyes are a prominent feature. It usually occurs along with the other symptoms of hay fever (itchy and runny nose, sneezing). It may result from many agents: grass, pollen, animal fur and house dust mites are the commonest causes. Mild symptoms can be helped by cold compresses. More severe persistent symptoms can be relieved by topical (applied to the affected area) or oral (by mouth) antihistamines available over the counter from your pharmacy.

 

Physical and chemical factors

Trauma to the eye or something in the eye (foreign body) can cause 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 can cause severe pain and watery discharge. Many chemicals can cause serious damage to the eye, and immediate first aid should be applied with irrigation (washing) of the eye for at least 10 minutes.

 

If your child has any injury to the eye (such as being hit or scratched) they should see a doctor as soon as possible.

 

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Where to go for more information

On this website
Your baby’s eyes

 

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Acknowledgements

Communicable Diseases Team. Community and Public Health. Canterbury District Health Board. 2004. Conjunctivitis.

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 24/09/2007

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Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
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