August is Children's Eye Health Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye care for our youngest patients. One of the most common eye conditions affecting children is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.
While many cases of conjunctivitis are mild and can resolve on their own, it's crucial to know when professional medical attention is necessary. Understanding the signs and potential complications of untreated conjunctivitis can help ensure your child's eyes remain healthy and vision clear.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
People also call this condition "pink eye" due to the reddish or pink appearance it causes in the affected eye. Various factors, including bacterial or viral infections, allergens, irritants, or, in some cases, underlying health conditions, can cause conjunctivitis.
Types of Conjunctivitis
Viral Conjunctivitis
Often associated with the common cold, viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious but typically resolves within a week or two. Symptoms include watery discharge, itching, and redness.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacteria cause this form of pink eye. It can produce a thick, yellow-green discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep. Bacterial conjunctivitis often requires antibiotic treatment.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites trigger this type of conjunctivitis. Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose often accompany it.
Irritant Conjunctivitis
This occurs when the eyes have exposure to irritants like smoke, chlorine, or foreign bodies. Removing the irritant usually alleviates the symptoms.
When to See an Eye Doctor
While you can manage some mild cases of conjunctivitis at home, it's essential to recognize when professional medical attention is necessary.
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to see an eye doctor:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your child's symptoms persist beyond a few days without improvement, it's time to consult an eye care professional. Viral conjunctivitis should start to clear up within a week, while bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic treatment to resolve fully.
- Severe Discomfort: Excessive pain, swelling, or difficulty opening the eyes are red flags that warrant immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection or complication.
- Vision Changes: If your child experiences blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or any changes in their eyesight, seek professional help right away. Conjunctivitis should not cause vision changes, and these symptoms could be a sign of a more severe eye condition.
- Thick Discharge: While a mild discharge is common with conjunctivitis, a thick, yellow-green discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together suggests bacterial conjunctivitis, which often requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
- Worsening Symptoms After Treatment: If your child’s conjunctivitis treatment isn't improving their symptoms or they worsen, follow up with your eye doctor. This could indicate resistance to the prescribed antibiotics or an incorrect initial diagnosis.
- Conjunctivitis in Newborns: Conjunctivitis in newborns, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is a medical emergency. Bacteria from the birth canal can cause it and require immediate treatment to prevent serious complications, including blindness.
Potential Complications of Untreated Conjunctivitis
While conjunctivitis is often mild, leaving it untreated, especially in cases of bacterial infection, can lead to complications such as:
- Corneal Ulcers: Untreated bacterial conjunctivitis can spread to the cornea. This can cause ulcers that may lead to permanent vision damage if not promptly treated.
- Spread of Infection: Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses can easily spread to other parts of the eye and surrounding tissues, leading to more severe infections.
- Chronic Conjunctivitis: Recurrent or untreated conjunctivitis can lead to chronic inflammation, causing long-term discomfort and potentially affecting your child's vision development.
Book an Eye Exam
As we focus on children's eye health this August, it's important to remember that while common, you should not take conjunctivitis lightly.
Knowing when to seek medical attention can prevent complications and ensure your child's eyes remain healthy. At Market Square Optical, we offer pediatric eye exams and help manage and treat conditions like conjunctivitis. Schedule an appointment today.