Pediatric Pink Eye Treatment Doctor Q&A

The pinkeye (conjunctivitis) infection affects the covering of the eyeball as well as the inner surface of the eyelids. It is usually caused by viruses, but it can also be caused by bacteria. There are a variety of antibiotic eye drops and ointments that can be used to treat pink eye.

Purulent pinkeye is usually caused by bacteria and is characterized by pink or red eyeballs, white or yellow discharge, sticky or red eyelids, and discomfort in the eyes. It is necessary to use antibiotics (eye drops or ointment) to prevent the spread of the infection.

There is little to no discomfort associated with non-purulent pinkeye, which appears pink or red but has a clear or watery discharge. In addition to viruses, other irritants (like allergies or chemicals in a pool) can contribute to this condition. Antibiotic drops cannot treat this type of pinkeye.

Each year, millions of Americans, many of them children, are affected by pink eye. The most common eye problem among kids is pink eye (or conjunctivitis), which accounts for 3 million missed school days per year. Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and it can also cause other problems without prompt treatment.

Infectious conjunctivitis is not the only reason for pinkish eyes – allergies and irritants (such as chlorine from swimming pools) are also common culprits. This means it can be hard to tell for sure if your child has pink eye. Allergy conjunctivitis and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious and typically resolve without treatment.

Pinkeye is not only characterized by its reddish or pink color, but also by discomfort in the eyes. It is not uncommon for children to say that they feel like they have sand in their eyes. There is often a discharge from the eye as well as swelling and pain in the conjunctiva. Those suffering from this condition may have swollen eyelids or be sensitive to bright light. It is possible to suffer from pinkeye in one or both eyes. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include itchy eyes and watery conjunctivitis.

Germs (bacteria and viruses) cause infectious conjunctivitis – the kind that spreads from person to person. When a child rubs his or her eye after touching an infected surface, the eye becomes infected.

When germs get in your child’s eye, they irritate and infect their conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers their eye and their eyelid. During an infection, the small blood vessels in the eye dilate, resulting in a pink color.

In a classroom or group of friends, pink eye can quickly spread due to its contagious nature. The majority of pink eye cases aren’t serious, but an eye doctor should still treat them to help your child feel better and prevent the infection from worsening.

How long pink eye will last is dictated by your type of pink eye and how you treat it. Pink eye usually clears up within a few days to two weeks.

Viral pink eye is usually caused by adenoviruses and herpes viruses. Without treatment, it usually clears up on its own within seven to fourteen days.

A bacterial pink eye can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumonia. Antibiotics should begin working within 24 hours after you start taking them. If you don’t use antibiotics, the condition usually improves within 10 days. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) remains contagious as long as your child has tearing and matted eyes. It is best to be cautious when it comes to deciding whether or not to send them to school as well as ensuring they keep their distance from others, practice good hygiene, and are taken to the doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment as necessary.

Pediatric pink eye treatment is available at Fast Aid Urgent Care. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, and Belterra TX.