How does conjunctivitis affect your baby

What it is

Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye in the US, is the inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the area under the eyelids. It is often caused by an infection, usually viral, but sometimes bacterial. It is highly contagious, Medical Observer warns.

Its Symptoms

• Redness of sclera (white part eye)

• Redness of inner eyelids

• Closing together of eyelids

• Itchy eyes

• Bloodshot, watery eyes when caused by virus. Yellow discharge when caused by a bacteria.

Ways to Prevent/treat

• Keep the baby at home.

• Do not share your baby’s towels.

• Make sure that your hands and your baby’s hand are thoroughly cleansed to avoid spreading the infection.

• If only one eye is sore, let your baby lie down on the affected side. This will prevent tears from flowing to the other eye.

• Clean your child’s eyes everyday with boiled but cooled water to prevent bacterial infection.

See the doctor if:

• There is discharge

• Condition persists or worsens

• There is pain in the eye

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