aboutABOUT
symptomsSYMPTOMS
treatmentTREATMENT
costCOST

Pediatric conjunctivitis often called pinkeye, is common in young kids. It is highly contagious and often spreads quickly in places like preschools and playgrounds. Teens and adults can also contract pinkeye.

It is important for parents to understand the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis, and when it may be appropriate to seek urgent care and medical treatment. Read more on these symptoms and the treatment options available for your baby.

Night Lite Pediatrics offers pediatric conjunctivitis treatment to children living and visiting in the state of Florida.

What is baby conjunctivitis?

Infectious conjunctivitis or infectious pink eye is an irritation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. It also covers the actual eye.

Common causes of pink eye

There are several causes of pink eye, the most common being:

  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common form of pink eye in children. It is caused by a bacterial infection, such as streptococcal conjunctivitis, and is highly contagious.
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic pink eye occurs when a child comes into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander.
  • Viral Pink Eye: Viral infections of the eye are caused by a virus and are highly contagious.
  • Irritant Conjunctivitis: Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by irritants such as smoke, dust mites, or fumes and is not contagious.

Newborn conjunctivitis causes

The following are the most common causes of conjunctivitis in newborns:

  • Gonorrhea virus: If a newborn is exposed to gonorrhea during childbirth, their eyes may become infected. This can cause irritation, discharge, redness, and swelling of the eyes.
  • Chlamydia: can cause a condition called neonatal conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye. The infection is spread when the baby comes into contact with the infected fluids from the mother’s vagina during delivery.
  • Bacteria: During childbirth, it can be passed from mother to baby when bacteria enter the baby’s eyes during the delivery.
  • Drops/ointments: It can also be spread through infected drops or ointments used during the delivery.
What is baby conjunctivitis?
Symptoms of pediatric conjunctivitis

Symptoms of pediatric conjunctivitis

Children will typically display any of these symptoms if they are suffering from conjunctivitis:

  • Gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Itchiness
  • Irritated eyes
  • Increased tearing
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Stringy discharge from the eyes
  • Thick, green drainage from the eyes
  • Ear infection
  • Eyes that are matted together in the morning
  • Swelling of the eyelids
  • Pink or red discoloration of the whites of the eyes
  • Discomfort when the child looks at a light
  • Burning in the eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Sore throat

Risks of conjunctivitis in toddlers

Conjunctivitis in toddlers can cause several risks, including:

  • Vision loss: Conjunctivitis can cause scarring or inflammation of the cornea, leading to vision loss if left untreated.
  • Infection of other parts of the eye: Conjunctivitis can spread to other parts of the eye, such as the eyelids or the interior of the eye, and lead to more severe complications, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment.
  • Spread of infection: Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily from one person to another through close contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • Increased risk of other infections: Conjunctivitis can lead to a weakened immune system, making a toddler more vulnerable to other infections.
  • Allergies: Conjunctivitis can cause allergies to develop, which can lead to further symptoms and discomfort.
Pediatric conjunctivitis treatment

Pediatric conjunctivitis treatment

Treatment of conjunctivitis in children will depend on the type of conjunctivitis.

  • For bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help clear up the infection.
  • For viral conjunctivitis, your doctor may recommend using artificial tears to help relieve symptoms.
  • For allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may recommend avoiding allergens and using anti-allergy medications to help reduce symptoms
  • In some cases, your doctor may also suggest using a warm compress to help reduce inflammation and irritation.

What is the cost of pediatric allergic conjunctivitis treatment?

The treatment costs for pediatric allergic conjunctivitis will depend on a number of factors, including the cause, if further tests are required, the severity of the case and the decided-upon treatment plan.

At Night Lite Pediatrics we accept most major medical health insurance policies and self-pay options.

Urgent Care near me for baby conjunctivitis

Night Lite Pediatrics is comprised of notable physicians in pediatric urgent care and pediatric critical care medicine who are also well-recognized in the Central Florida medical community. 

Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins and suggested arrival times. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:

How to schedule an arrival time for pediatric pink eye

FAQ

Below is a list of common questions and answers regarding this condition and treatment:

It is important to consult your pediatrician if you suspect your baby may have conjunctivitis. Depending on the cause, your pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics, anti-allergy drops, or other treatments.

It is always best to take your baby to the doctor for any medical concern. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria or a virus, and it is important to determine the cause so that it can be properly treated and avoid complications.

It is not recommended for a baby with viral conjunctivitis to go to daycare. It is highly contagious and can be spread easily to other children. It is recommended that the baby stay home and get the necessary treatment until they are no longer contagious.

The treatment for pediatric conjunctivitis depends on the cause. In most cases, the condition can be treated with simple measures such as applying warm compresses or using eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation and irritation.

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections. If the condition is caused by allergies, antihistamines may be prescribed.

It is not recommended to put eye drops in your baby’s eyes if they have pink eye. Instead, contact your urgent care doctor for advice on how to treat pink eye.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Keep me updated with news and knowledge
from Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care