Pinkeye in Toddlers

The eye infection conjunctivitis (kun-junk-tih-VY-tus)-- typically called pinkeye-- prevails in young kids. It's usually contagious, and breakouts can sweep through preschools and playgrounds. However even teens and adults can get pinkeye.

Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. It's a minor infection and although it may look bad, usually isn't major.

Still, if your child reveals signs of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye disappear on their own, however others require treatment.

What Causes Pinkeye?

Contagious pinkeye (the kind that can infect others) can be caused by many of the bacteria and infections responsible for colds and other infections-- consisting of ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats. Often it's triggered by the same types of bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, two sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Some kinds of pinkeye are noninfectious, such as:

• allergic conjunctivitis, which takes place more frequently in kids with other allergic conditions, like hay fever. Triggers include grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.
• irritant conjunctivitis, triggered by anything that aggravates the eyes, such as air contamination or chlorine in pools

Check out symptoms of pinkeye in toddlers in eyexan.com blog.