MyMediktor - Bacterial conjunctivitis (Paediatrics)

Low urgency

Common-

Inflammation of the layer that covers the whitish part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, called the conjunctiva.

In this case it is caused by a bacterial infection.

The affected eye is red and teary, with yellow or greenish discharge that appears predominantly in the morning and intolerance to light.

Diagnosis is made by clinical questioning and examination of the eye.

Treatment is based on local antibiotic drops and washing the discharge with lukewarm water.

Bibliographic references

Deborah S Jacobs, MD. Conjunctivitis. UpToDate. Aug 22, 2016.
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.
Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, van Schayck CP, et al. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD001211.
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.
Horton JC. Trastornos de los ojos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 199

Author

Dr. Maria Trabazo

Copyright

Symptoms

Both eyes red

Feeling of having something in your eye

Discharge from the eye and/or eyelid

Gritty sensation in the eye

Eyelid stuck together when you wake up

Symptom persistence for more than two weeks after the initial treatment

Loss of vision

History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Avoid rubbing the eyes.

Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.

Use artificial or antihistaminic drops for the eyes.

Discontinue the use of contact lenses.

Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for antibiotics.