Redness in a child’s eyes refers to visible redness in the white part of the eye (sclera). This common concern indicates expanded blood vessels on the eye’s surface due to irritation or inflammation. While often not serious, understanding the causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is important.
Everyday Causes of Redness
Many common factors can cause a child’s eyes to appear red, often without serious implications. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander contact the eyes. Symptoms include itching, watery discharge, redness, and sometimes puffy eyelids, often accompanied by sneezing or a runny nose. This type of conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Infectious causes are prevalent. Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is highly contagious. It often presents with watery discharge, a burning or gritty sensation, and redness, frequently starting in one eye before spreading to the other. This condition is associated with colds or other viral infections. Bacterial conjunctivitis, another contagious form, is characterized by a thick, sticky, pus-like discharge (yellow or green) that often causes eyelids to crust or stick together, especially after sleep.
Beyond infections and allergies, simple irritation can lead to eye redness. Common irritants include dust, smoke, or chlorine from swimming pools, which can make eyes red and watery. Excessive eye rubbing can also irritate the delicate eye surface, leading to redness. A foreign body, such as a small particle of dirt or an eyelash, can enter the eye, causing immediate redness, pain, tearing, and increased blinking until removed.
Urgent Signs and When to See a Doctor
While many cases of red eyes are minor, certain signs indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt medical attention. Severe eye pain or vision changes (e.g., blurry vision, light sensitivity) warrant immediate professional evaluation. Light sensitivity (photophobia) can suggest conditions like uveitis, requiring specific diagnosis and treatment.
Swelling around the eye, especially of the eyelids, is another serious symptom. This can indicate a deeper infection, such as periorbital or orbital cellulitis, a bacterial infection around the eye that can be vision-threatening if not treated quickly. Persistent thick, colored discharge warrants medical assessment for bacterial infection.
Any eye redness after trauma (e.g., injury, chemical exposure) needs immediate medical attention. For infants under one month old, any eye redness should always be evaluated promptly, as it can signal serious infections. If red eyes accompany systemic symptoms like high fever, unusual lethargy, or severe headache, consult a medical professional.
Managing Red Eyes at Home and Prevention Tips
For mild cases of red eyes, several home care strategies can provide comfort and help prevent spread. Maintaining good hygiene is fundamental, including frequent hand washing for both the child and caregivers. This practice is particularly important to prevent the spread of contagious conjunctivitis.
Discouraging eye rubbing is beneficial, as rubbing can worsen irritation or spread infection from hands to eyes. Applying a clean, damp compress can offer relief; a warm compress helps loosen crusted discharge, while a cool compress may soothe itching and reduce swelling. When discharge is present, gently wipe it away with a clean cotton ball or gauze, wiping from the inner corner outwards.
Preventive measures focus on avoiding irritants and limiting the spread of infectious agents. Rinsing eyes with clean water after swimming in chlorinated pools helps prevent irritation. Identifying and avoiding known allergens, such as keeping children away from smoke or pet dander, can reduce allergic reactions. To prevent contagious eye conditions, avoid sharing personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye drops. If a child has a suspected contagious eye infection, keep them home from school or daycare until symptoms resolve or for 24 hours after starting medication for bacterial infections to help contain the illness.