Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink eye, can be caused by bacteria, virus or allergy. It resulted in redness, irritation, and inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white portion of the eyes and the inner surface of the eyelids.

• 
  
  Bacterial conjunctivitis: caused by staphylococci and streptococci. It makes eyes very red and sore and it associates with a thick, green or yellow discharge. Doctors prescribe Rx antibiotic eye drops which can effectively stop bacterial infection. You will need to frequently wipe away the drainage from your child's eyes. Prevent the infection to the other eye if only one is infected.
  

  
  

• 
  
  Viral conjunctivitis: caused by spread of virus from cold, sore throats, respiratory infections and others. It causes red, watery, sore eyes with a clear discharge. The severities of the symptoms are dependent on the type of virus. It does not usually require a treatment. Over-the-counter eye lubricating eye drop can help reduce symptoms and discomforts. You will also need to clean the drainage from your child's eyes to avoid discomfort and further spreading of infection.
  
  
  

  
  

• 
  
  Allergic conjunctivitis: It is not contagious. I have allergic pick eye in response to weed pollens. Other allergens include cosmetics, dust mites, fumes or air born chemicals. Both over-the-counter anti-histamine eye drops and anti-histamine pills help to relieve the symptom. Benadryl, Zyrtec or Claritin can help as long as your body responds to them.
  
  
  

  
  

It is hard to avoid close contact with other children who have eye infection when kids are in the daycare. There was a note from teachers today describing a couple cases of conjunctivitis at Daycare. I gave my children eye drops, Similasan Pink Eye Relief, after we got home. "Similasan Pink Eye Relief" is a over-the-counter product and it does not need prescription. This product is for viral and allergic pink eye, I am not sure if it helps bacterial conjunctivitis. For precaution, I applied the eye drop to their eyes. My children were not too happy about the foreign objective falling into their eyes, so they struggled and moved around a lot. I needed to be careful applying the eye drops to their eyes and tried not to touch the opening of the bottle to their eyes. I could contaminate the all bottle and spread infection if contact happens. Remember to wash your hands after you help your child. It is important to keep yourself healthy, so you can take care of a sick child. There are many over the counter pink-eye eye drops. I think that a lot of them have the same ingredients; they should work as well for relief of viral and allergic pink eye. For bacterial conjunctivitis, you will need to get the antibiotic eye drop by prescription.