Information for parents

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by an infection or an allergic response. A doctor will examine your child and decide if they require treatment. The two main categories of infection are:

Viral conjunctivitis: This infection will resolve on it’s own in 1-2 weeks and does not require antibiotic treatment. Symptoms can be eased with self-care measures, such as applying warm compresses:

• Boil water and let it cool down before you gently wipe the eyelashes to clean off any discharge with a clean cotton wool pad (1 piece for each eye so the infection does not spread)
• Hold a cold flannel on the eyes for a few minutes to cool them down

Bacterial conjunctivitis: This infection may require antibiotics. A swab of the discharge may be taken to aid diagnosis. Antibiotics can be started straight away or a delayed prescription may be provided. On this occasion antibiotics should be commenced if symptoms do not resolve within 3 days.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and your child may experience the following:

• A red eye
• A burning sensation or feeling like grit is in the eye
• Development of discharge from the eye
• Itchy or watery eyes

What do I need to know?

You do not need to keep your child away from school/nursery unless they are feeling unwell. Inform the nursery/school of the diagnosis and treatment so they can minimise the risk of spreading the infection.

To prevent conjunctivitis in the future

• Wash hands regularly with warm, soapy water
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin
• Do not share towels/cloths with others
• Make sure surfaces are cleaned regularly
• Contact lenses should be cleaned between use and keep eyes moist with drops, if required

When to be concerned and seek medical attention

• Your child complains of loss of vision/flashing lights
• Swelling around the upper and lower eyelid
• A throbbing pain in the eye or sensitivity to light
• The whites of the eyes are red

Further Information

If you need any more information or advice between the hours of 0800-2000 Monday-Sunday please call The Children’s Urgent Care Centre on 02073906150.

Out of hours please contact NHS 111.

Call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but it’s not life threatening- for example, if you:

• Think you need to go to hospital
• Don’t know who to call for medical help
• Don’t have a GP to call
• Need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next.

In case of emergency please call 999 or attend your local Children’s Emergency Department.