Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common condition that occurs to a lot of toddlers. It is caused by a virus, bacteria or allergen that inflames the conjunctiva, which is the transparent covering of the white part of the eye.
While it might be frightening to see if your toddler’s eyes turn pink with infection, there is no need to panic. To calm your fears, let us explain the condition, and why if you suspect pink eye in your toddler, then it is best to visit your kids’ eye doctor.
What is Pink Eye in Toddlers?
There are four types of pink eye in toddlers: viral, bacterial, allergic, and irritant.
- Viral pink eye is a contagious version of conjunctivitis that’s caused by a virus. It is similar to the same virus as the common cold.
- Bacterial pink eye is also contagious and is caused by touching contaminated objects or contact with those who have the condition.
- Allergic pink eye is caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, grass, or dander. Your toddler might get it seasonally.
- Irritant pink eye is caused when something touches their eyes and irritates them, such as chlorine or smoke. This type of pink eye is not contagious.
How does pink eye spread?
The bacteria cause a type of infection inside the eyelid or conjunctiva which can cause swelling and irritation. When a person touches the infected area, the bacteria can spread to their fingers and then to other surfaces that are touched.
Symptoms of Pink Eye in Toddlers
Most of the symptoms are the same for each type, including the following:
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes that may cause your toddler to rub their eyes
- Gritty feeling that makes you toddler think there is something in their eye
- White, yellow, or green discharge and crust around the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
Your toddler may have symptoms in one or both eyes.
How to treat Pink Eye in your toddler
It is essential to get your child’s symptoms diagnosed sooner rather than later. It is advisable to visit a kids’ eye doctor or medical doctor to conduct an examination, determine the cause of the outbreak and get a treatment plan to clear up the condition. You should also undertake an eye exam in Calgary to see if the pink eye is merely that or something more serious.
In most cases, the pink eye will go away on its own. Viral and irritants will have to go through the body naturally, while your doctor can provide you with relief for seasonal allergies. On the other hand, bacterial pink eyes can be treated with eye drop antibiotics that are applied topically. Applying the antibiotics on the side of the eyes is more effective for babies.
Your toddler should recover after just a few days or up to two weeks.
5 Tips to prevent kids from pink eye
1. Keep your home clean. Wash your toddler’s toys, clothes, bedding, etc. often. Don’t let them play in front of the TV or computer screen too much. Make sure they are wearing clean underwear before getting them in the car to go to the doctor’s office or church .
2. Keep their eyes clean too. Use a warm compress on your toddler’s eyes if they have pink eye symptoms . Wipe off any dirt on their face with a wet washcloth or cloth wipe .
3. Know the symptoms and how to treat pink eye in toddlers. If you feel that your child may have pink eyes, call your doctor immediately.
4. Do not share towels and washcloths, clothes, and other personal items with your toddler or other children. It is possible to get pink eyes from touching their personal items.
5. If you suspect that your child may have pink eye, do not let others handle your toddler until you can take them to the doctor’s office or clinic.
Visiting your Calgary Optometrist afterwards
Once the pink eye has been relieved, it is advisable to get your toddler’s eyes checked by a Calgary optometrist specializing in eye exams for children. They can provide an in-depth inspection to see if your child has any other eye conditions that should be noted.
Make sure you visit a Calgary eye centre designed to support your toddler and offer them the comfort and support they need. It will make them feel relaxed and willing to cooperate with the optometrist.
When you need a Calgary optometrist, trust the experts at Urban Eyecare. Visit us at one of our two locations in Calgary for a comprehensive eye exam for you or your children. We are happy to help! Call us today!
Sunridge Location (403) 280-8330
Chaparral Location (403) 453-1211
FAQs about pink eye in toddlers
A. Pink eye can be caused by many different things. The most common cause of pink eye is an allergy or an infection. Some of the most common infections that can cause pink eye are strep throat, staphylococcal skin infections, and viral conjunctivitis. Pink eye can spread from person to person by touching your eye and then touching someone else’s eyes or by coming into contact with a contaminated surface.
A. Pink eye is not contagious. Pink eye can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or foreign bodies. pink eye does not spread from person to person.
A. The symptoms of pink eye include redness, tearing, pain , itching , burning , and crusting . A child can have one or all of these symptoms .
A. If your child has been diagnosed with pink eye that has been associated with a rash , itching , redness , or soreness in the eye that they may not want to open, it is time to call a doctor.
A. If your doctor prescribes antibiotic drops, use them as directed . Don’t stop using them unless your doctor tells you to or if you no longer have symptoms of pink eye for more than 1 week (after 3 days).
A. If a toddler has pink eyes caused by an allergy, you will want to treat the allergy first.
If it is caused by bacteria, you can treat pink eye with antibiotic pills .
If your toddler has developed conjunctivitis (pink eye) , it is important not to touch or rub around your child’s eyes. This will spread the infection. You should also avoid sharing towels, clothes, toys, etc. with your child.
