Definition |
Infectious Conjunctivitis |
Allergic Conjunctivitis |
Contact us What is conjunctivitis or pink eye?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva consists of the membrane that lines the inside of the eye and also a thin membrane that covers the actual eye. Infection may be in one or both eyes. There are many causes of pink eye, including the following:
- allergies
- bacteria
- viruses
- herpes
Infectious Conjunctivitis
How is infectious conjunctivitis treated?
It may be difficult to determine by exam if the infection is bacterial or viral. Therefore, treatment for bacterial infection with antibiotic drops or ointment is usually ordered. Pink eye caused by adenovirus is very contagious, therefore careful hand washing is advised in all cases of conjunctivitis.
In an infant with a watery eye from birth, nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the likely cause. Bacterial infection is more common in the affected eye and may require local antibiotic treatment.
Trauma or foreign object in the eye should be considered when evaluating pink or red eyes. A complete history may not be available in children. Infants may scratch their cornea or conjunctiva with their sharp fingernails. A careful examination is required.
Please contact your child's physician for advice regarding care of conjunctivitis.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
The following are the most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- itchy eyes
- watery discharge
- swelling of the eyelids
- redness of the eyes
- stringy discharge from the eyes
The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is allergic conjunctivitis diagnosed?
Cultures of eye drainage are usually not done for allergic conjunctivitis. A diagnosis of conjunctivitis is usually made based on a complete medical history and physical examination.
Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis
There is no cure for allergic conjunctivitis. Avoidance of the irritant is the best management. Cold compresses to your child's eyes may also help with the itching and swelling.
Specific treatment for allergic conjunctivitis will be determined by your child's physician based on:
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the reaction
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the reaction
- your opinion or preference
Your child's physician may prescribe the following medications to help with the symptoms:
- antihistamines - these help to decrease histamine release which may help to decrease the itchy, watery eyes. Some examples are diphenhydramine (Benadryl") or hydroxyzine (Atarax"). These medications may make your child drowsy.
- nonsedating antihistamines - work similar to antihistamines but without the side effect of making your child drowsy. These might include cetirizine (Zyrtec") or loratadine (Claritin").
- eye drops (to help relieve the itching and redness)
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 01/06
