Eye inflammation in the child – causes, treatment and prevention

Eye inflammation in children

The eyes burn or itch, are red, swollen and water or suppurate. Sometimes the eyes are also stuck together, the child can hardly open them. If one or more of these symptoms occur, there is an eye infection. Eye infections in children are common and mostly harmless and easily treatable. Home remedies and self-experiments are still not recommended.

What is eye inflammation?

The term eye inflammation summarizes a wide variety of inflammations on or in the eye. In addition to the conjunctiva, the eyelids, the cornea, the so-called middle eye skin and the tear duct can become inflamed. This also includes the “smeared eye”, which usually occurs in babies shortly after birth and can persist. The different types of eye inflammation are based on different clinical pictures and causes.

Inflammation is merely the reaction of the immune system to external stimuli such as foreign bodies, cold, drafts, viruses or bacteria . Depending on what caused the eye inflammation and which part of the eye is affected, the ophthalmologist distinguishes between conjunctivitis , corneal inflammation (keratitis), inflammation of the middle part of the eye ( uveitis ), lacrimal sac inflammation or eyelid inflammation ( blepharitis ).

Causes

In small children, the tear ducts are still very narrow and therefore clog more easily. The tear duct is inside the eye and is connected to the nose. Tear fluid drains through the tear duct into the nose. If the tear duct is blocked, the tear fluid builds up in the eye and forms a breeding ground for bacteria, mainly pneumococci , staphylococci and anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria. Usually only one eye is affected, it waters profusely and pus often collects in the corner of the eye. When sleeping, the eye sticks together and is difficult to open afterwards.The most common eye infection in children is conjunctivitis, or conjunctivitis . The conjunctiva is normally a transparent, mucosal membrane between the eyeball and the eyelid. When irritated, their blood vessels dilate and the typical reddening occurs. The eye is itchy and there is a foreign body sensation. Common causes are dust, pollen, drafts, wind or foreign objects in the eye.

Viral conjunctivitis with red, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids often occurs in connection with an existing cold. A clear, glassy secretion forms. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often occurs after a visit to a swimming pool or playground.

Children often touch their faces with dirty fingers, which allows bacteria to get into their eyes. In acute bacterial conjunctivitis, yellowish-green purulent secretion sticks to the eye, and the child complains of sensitivity to light and itching. Bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci not only trigger conjunctivitis, but also cause corneal inflammation or eyelid inflammation.

Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye is usually caused by herpes viruses and the chicken pox virus varicella. Finally, eye inflammation in children can also be caused by styes, blocked sebaceous glands on the edge of the eyelid or ingrown eyelashes.

When to the doctor?

If the eye waters only slightly and the child has no other symptoms, parents can wait and simply clean the eye with warm water and a clean, lint-free cloth. If the symptoms worsen or if there is no improvement after at least two days, the inflammation must be clarified by the doctor.

Eye infections are generally a reason for a visit to the pediatrician or ophthalmologist. If the eye is suppurating, or if the child also complains of blurred vision and pain, or if there is also a fever, it is best for parents to see a doctor on the same day. Inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis) is very painful and uncomfortable for children. In most cases, the child already suffered from blocked tear ducts (stenosis), which is why the tear fluid accumulates in the eye and bacteria can collect and multiply.

In the case of lacrimal sac inflammation, inpatient treatment in the children’s hospital is usually indicated. Even if there is no purulent discharge, pain, swelling or visual disturbances, the child should be presented to the doctor if there is no improvement after two days.

Diagnosis and course

The eye doctor uses a slit lamp to examine the affected eye to determine which areas are affected. Through a microscope integrated into the slit lamp, he examines the individual structures of the eye such as the cornea, eyelids and conjunctiva. In this way, foreign bodies can be ruled out or quickly recognized as the cause of the eye infection. Foreign bodies in the eye must always be removed by an ophthalmologist! Purulent discharge usually indicates a bacterial infection. In this case, the ophthalmologist will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

Complications

If acute or chronic eye inflammation in children is not treated, serious complications including blindness can occur. Foreign bodies that are not removed in time can damage the cornea. In the case of untreated inflammation of the lacrimal sac, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening sepsis ( blood poisoning ).

Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Parents should refrain from attending school or kindergarten until at least the purulent discharge has disappeared. Complications such as corneal inflammation or lacrimal sac inflammation rarely occur with conjunctivitis. If there is insufficient hygiene, the bacteria are sometimes transferred to the ears or the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose, where they lead to inflammation of the middle ear or pharynx .

Treatment and therapy

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated well with antibiotic eye drops or eye ointments. Darkened rooms and cold compresses against the itching relieve the symptoms. The purulent secretion should be removed in the morning or when necessary with a damp washcloth. It is essential to pay attention to hygiene, the washcloth must not be used by other family members and must be washed regularly in the boil wash cycle. In the case of viral conjunctivitis, the doctor usually prescribes artificial tears to preserve the tear film. Drops with eyebright also relieve the symptoms.

Styes as the cause of eye inflammation can be softened with warm compresses and then burst faster! A stye should never be squeezed out or pricked by yourself. If the tear duct is narrowed, gentle massage with the fingertips from the eye to the nose can help. In the case of corneal inflammation, antibiotic, cortisone-containing or antiviral drops or ointments are indicated.

Outlook and prognosis

Eye infections caused by wind, dust, pollen, sun or dry air usually go away on their own as soon as the trigger has been eliminated.

If bacteria penetrate the lacrimal sac, pus forms there quickly. Lacrimal sac inflammation (dacryocystitis) occurs. The lacrimal sac hurts, is reddened and sometimes very swollen. If left untreated, the skin on the lacrimal sac bursts, fistulas form or the bacteria get into the bloodstream. In the latter case, there is a risk of life-threatening blood poisoning!

With timely and correct diagnosis and treatment, even serious eye infections should be over after a few days to a maximum of two weeks (viral conjunctivitis).

Prevention

Frequent hand washing also helps prevent eye infections. It is best for parents to ensure that their offspring do not grab their faces with dirty fingers or rub their eyes. If children in the neighborhood or family are suffering from a contagious eye infection, it is better if they no longer play together.In winter, the warm room air dries out the eyes, which are then less resistant to inflammation triggers. A daily walk outdoors helps maintain the natural tear film. In the case of very dry eyes, there are special preparations in the pharmacy that moisten the eye and help to build up its own tear film again.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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