Eye infections in children

In most cases of eye infections, a person will be able to treat it with simple over the counter treatments. Another thing that people should know is that not all infection needs these medications as some of them tend to treat themselves. In order to properly treat the infection, the doctor must first make a proper diagnosis. It is sometimes hard to distinguish different eye infections due to the fact that similar symptoms occur in most of them.

Hordeolum (Sty)

First of all, people should know that this infection can be either internal or external. Some of the most common symptoms are swelling of the eyelids, tenderness and redness. A person can treat the infection by applying warm compresses to the eye for 15 minutes, several times during a day. OTC antibiotics are used only if the eye doctor recommends them. If the infections or pain get worse within the 48 hour upon discovering the infection, the parents should take the child to the hospital.

Staphylococcal blepharitis

Unlike sty, this eye infection is more chronic. In case of this infection both eyelids are affected. Some of the most obvious signs of this infection are red and inflamed anterior margins of the eyelid, along with crusts and ulcerations seen around the eyelashes. Apart from these, some of the other common signs are irritation, burning sensation and itching of the eyelid margins. A person who suffers from this infection should not use nonprescription antibiotic eye drops unless the physician recommends them. The main reason why that is so, is because this infection is usually confused with other viral eye infections. Good hygiene is essential part of the treatment of this eye infection.

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis

The most common sign of this eye infection is a thick discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together and the eyelashes to become matted. According to the doctors, the infection will go away in a period of three weeks. Treatment is recommended in order for the duration of the symptoms to be decreased. Serious corneal complications will be avoided with proper treatment as well. Applying warm compresses is the best treatment in this case as well.

Neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis

This particular infection is quite serious and can cause loss of sight if not treated promptly. The symptoms of this infection occur no more than five days after birth and are bilateral purulent discharge, redness, irritation and tenderness. Since the infection progresses very fast an immediate treatment is essential.

Viral conjunctivitis

In case of this eye infection, the most common symptoms are red eye, watery discharge and small hemorrhages in some cases. Both eyes are usually affected by this infection. In most cases it is the Adenovirus that is the cause of the infection. Due to that fact, OTC treatment with antibacterials is not recommended.