Dr. Rashmi Shirwant -Consultant – Ophthalmologist, Manipal Hospitals Goa
Redness in the eyes is a common presentation in pediatric eye care also known as pink eye. It can be commonly caused due to infections, allergies, or eye strain.
Redness of eyes due to infection:
It can be due to bacterial or viral infection causing conjunctivitis. In case of bacterial infection along with redness there will be associated yellowish purulent discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eyedrops.
In viral conjunctivitis, redness, and watery discharge can be associated with upper respiratory tract infection(cold). Treatment is supportive and antiviral and antibiotic eye drops are prescribed.
Form conjunctivitis occurs in newborns, known as neonatal conjunctivitis, which occurs within a few days of birth and is associated with yellow discharge from the eyes. Appropriate antibiotic eye drops usage can completely cure the infection.
Some general precaution that needs to be taken during conjunctivitis is not sharing face towels or pillows, sanitizing hands, avoiding touching eyes, and not putting anything inside the eyes as a part of home remedies.
Redness due to allergy:
Redness, itching, and white ropy discharge can also be caused due to allergic conjunctivitis. There are various types of allergic conjunctivitis and the most common ones include simple allergic conjunctivitis like hay fever or seasonal conjunctivitis which occurs due to pollen in a specific season, spring catarrh commonly seen in boys and usually resolves by 18 years of age, or atopic conjunctivitis which is seen in patients with asthma or allergy in the body. Recurrences are commonly seen in winter seasons.
Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis includes topical anti-allergic eye drops, sometimes steroid drops have to be used. Other measures like cold compresses, use of protective goggles in case of pollen allergy and avoiding dusty environments or pets as animal hair can also incite allergic episodes.
Redness due to eyestrain:
Eyestrain due to refractive error can also cause redness, itching, irritation, or watering of the eyes. Appropriate spectacle correction needs to be given in such cases.
