Your child’s clear vision suddenly turns into a blurry discomfort with the onset of pink eye or conjunctivitis. Many children in Toronto suffer from this contagious inflammation every year. The risk further increases for the ones in daycare, school, or other group settings. We know your concern about being a parent, so we are here to show you the way. Allow this blog post to help you identify and treat pink eye in kids.
Eye in the Trouble Zone: Spotting Pink Eye in Kids
Pink eye implies the conjunctiva’s infection, leading to discomfort and many other symptoms. The first tell-tale sign of conjunctivitis in children is redness in their eyes. Here is a list of other common symptoms.
- Crusting over your kid’s eyelashes
- Sudden eye discharge
- Visible swelling of the eyelid
- Higher production of tears
- Burning sensation
- Itchy eyes
What Triggers Pink Eye?
The treatment approach for pink eye in kids depends upon the possible cause.
Viral Pink Eye– This pink eye condition occurs due to a viral infection in your child’s conjunctiva. The main blame usually goes to the group of adenoviruses. In this contagious condition, your child may have symptoms like flu, watery discharge from eyes, or a common cold.
Bacterial Pink Eye– This condition represents the conjunctiva’s bacterial infection. Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus may trigger bacterial pink eye. Sometimes, an ear infection also accompanies this condition in children.
Irritant Pink Eye– The arrival of an irritant or a foreign body to the child’s conjunctiva triggers irritant pink eye. Wearing contact lenses beyond the recommended time can also lead to this disorder. Here are a few common irritants.
- Smoke
- Dust
- Chemicals
- Fumes
Allergic Pink Eye– An allergic reaction to your kid’s body leads to allergic pink eye. Common allergens include mold, trees, pet dander, grass, medications, and dust. An immune response triggers this non-contagious pink eye condition.
Conjunctivitis or Allergies? The Need for an Eye Exam
A close look at the symptoms says a lot about the condition. Does your child have itching, redness, and discharge? These signs hint toward the presence of pink eye. However, allergies usually lead to sneezing and watery eyes. A thorough eye exam from an optometrist in Toronto can reveal the underlying problem.
The Right Time to Call an Optometrist for Help
Contact a healthcare provider when you notice the following symptoms in kids:
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Pain in eyes
- Symptoms getting worse
Problems Be Gone: Effective Remedies for Pink Eye in Kids
Although pink eye, a mild condition, would go away at its own pace, offering a cold compress brings much-needed relief. It works wonders on lowering itching and inflammation with a soothing effect.
The treatment approach may vary depending on the type of pink eye in kids. For instance, viral pink eye usually resolves without treatment, whereas allergic pink eye requires avoiding the triggering allergens.
As we can see, pink eye in kids is usually mild and goes away naturally. However, feel free to contact a healthcare provider if the symptoms worsen.