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Bacterial conjunctivitis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Low urgency
Common-
This is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the layer that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, caused by bacterial infection. The affected eye is red with yellow or greenish tears, rheum in the morning and sensitivity to light. It is diagnosed through the case history and clinical examination. It is treated with local antibiotic eye drops and cleansing the rheum with warm water. It is advisable to consult your doctor or ophthalmologist if it is severe or persistent or if you cannot see well or are in pain.
Bibliographic references
  1. Deborah S Jacobs, MD. Conjunctivitis. UpToDate. Aug 22, 2016.
  2. Rose PW, Harnden A, Brueggemann AB, et al. Chloramphenicol treatment for acute infective conjunctivitis in children in primary care: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2005; 366:37.
  3. Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, van Schayck CP, et al. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD001211.
  4. Pardiñas-Pérez MR, Alonso Martín L, Sepúlveda Berrocal MA, Hernández de Francisco L. Ojo Rojo. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1161-1166.
  5. Horton JC. Trastornos de los ojos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 199
Author
Dr. Maria Trabazo
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Both eyes red

    Sensation of an object in the eye

    Discharge from the eye and/or eyelid

    Gritty sensation in the eye

    Eyelid glued on awakening

Symptoms to watch out for

Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment
Loss of vision
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Use of artificial tears or antihistamine eye drops.
Stop using contact lenses.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of antibiotics.
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