Parents, Take Note: 8 Eye-Opening Facts About Pink Eye and Young Children

Worried about pink eye? A paediatric ophthalmologist breaks down what parents need to know about conjunctivitis—its causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor—so you can stay calm and prepared should it affect you or your little one.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT DR FAZILAWATI A QAMARRUDDIN Consultant Ophthalmologist and Paediatric Ophthalmologist Sunway Medical Centre

#1 CONJUNCTIVITIS IS OFTEN CALLED ‘PINK EYE’

About the Conjunctiva

• The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids, covering the white of your eye or sclera.
• It helps to protect the eye from foreign objects and helps maintain the tear film so that the eye remains moist and comfortable.

So, What Is Conjunctivitis?

According to Dr Fazilawati A Qamaruddin:

• Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, either from infection or due to allergies.
• The affected eye appears pinkish because the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eye, is inflamed, hence the name ‘pink eye’.
• It can happen in one eye or both eyes.

#2 THERE ARE A FEW POSSIBLE CAUSES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS

• The most common cause of conjunctivitis is viral infection. Viruses that can cause conjunctivitis include the adenovirus and herpes simplex virus.
• Other possible causes are:
  • Bacterial infections
  • Allergies
  • Chemicals
  • Irritation from contact lenses
  • Eye injury

#3 NOT ALL CASES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS ARE INFECTIOUS

• Bacterial and especially viral conjunctivitis are easily spread from person to person.
• However, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

#4 CHRONIC OR LONG-TERM CONJUNCTIVITIS CAN ACTUALLY HARM THE EYE 

• Dr Fazilawati reveals that most cases of conjunctivitis do not affect vision.
• However, she points out that untreated chronic or long-term conjunctivitis can cause permanent eye damage, especially if it is the irritant type due to injuries from chemicals.
• Such chemical injuries can result in scarring and permanent vision loss.
• For bacterial conjunctivitis, if it is left untreated, an open sore or ulcer can form on the cornea. This can lead to severe vision loss.

#5 CONJUNCTIVITIS USUALLY GOES AWAY ON ITS OWN WITHIN 1 TO 2 WEEKS

However, Dr Fazilawati urges you to see an ophthalmologist if you experience any of the following:

• Your vision is affected.
• Your affected eye becomes sensitive to light.
• Your affected eye becomes severely painful, or the pain becomes worse over time.
• The eyelids or the skin around the affected eye become swollen or red.
• You also develop a headache in addition to other symptoms of conjunctivitis.

#6 TREATMENT OF CONJUNCTIVITIS DEPENDS ON THE TYPE

Viral Conjunctivitis

• There is no specific treatment for conjunctivitis caused by most viruses. Your body can fight the viruses on its own.
• However, placing a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can help provide some comfort and relief.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Your ophthalmologist may prescribe certain eye drops to provide relief from eye itchiness and puffiness.
• You will also be advised on how to best avoid the triggers of your allergy.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

• Sometimes, conjunctivitis can be caused by chemicals or other substances getting into your eye.
• Should this happen to you, rinse the effected eye free of the substance and see a doctor.
• You may be told to use certain eye drops or ointment for the eyes.

#7 CONJUNCTIVITIS CAN ALSO AFFECTS NEWBORNS AND CHILDREN

According to Dr Fazilawati:

• Conjunctivitis in babies is usually caused by bacterial infections.
• Conjunctivitis in adults and children is more likely to be caused by viruses.

Therefore, it is very urgent for parents to seek treatment for their babies with conjunctivitis to seek treatment as soon as possible.

This is to prevent vision loss as well as death due to septicemia.

Treatment

• In terms of treatment, babies may need topical antibiotic eye drops and ointments, oral antibiotics, or intravenous antibiotics.
• A combination of topical and oral or topical and intravenous treatments are sometimes used at the same time.
• If the need arises, saline solution can be prescribed to rinse the pus out of the baby’s affected eye.
• Older children are given the same consideration as adults when it comes to treating their conjunctivitis.

#8 OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM OR NEONATAL CONJUNCTIVITIS OCCURS WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS OF A NEWBORN’S LIFE

• Dr Fazilawati tells us that the symptoms include eye discharge and puffy, red eyelids within 1 day to 2 weeks after birth.
• A mother can pass on infectious conjunctivitis to her newborn during childbirth, even if she has no symptoms herself, because she may carry bacteria or viruses in the birth canal.
• When caused by an infection, such as in viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, neonatal conjunctivitis can be very serious.

The most common types of neonatal conjunctivitis include:

• Chlamydial conjunctivitis, which can cause swelling of the eyelids with pus discharge. Symptoms often appear 5 to 12 days after birth but may present at any time during the first month of life.
• Gonococcal conjunctivitis, which causes discharge and swelling of eyelids. It may appear 2 to 4 days after birth.
• Chemical conjunctivitis, which can be caused by eye drops or ointment given to newborns to help prevent bacterial eye infections. Symptoms include red eyes and eyelid swelling. It usually resolves on its own in 24 to 36 hours.
• Viruses that cause genital and oral herpes can also cause neonatal conjunctivitis and severe eye damage. Such viruses may be passed to the baby during childbirth.
• Also, blocked tear ducts may cause conjunctivitis. A gentle warm massage between the eye and nasal area can help.