The best baby conjunctivitis treatment for sore eyes according to an optometrist

There's nothing worse than dry, itchy or irritated eyes as a result of conjunctivitis. Your baby can't communicate their discomfort whenever they're suffering from a bothersome eye infection. All they can do to relieve the irritation is rub their eyes, which is the worst thing you could do when suffering from conjunctivitis.

However, treating the symptoms can help alleviate the symptoms of sore eyes. Here at Mother&Baby, we've spoken to an optometrist to discuss the best course of action for treating conjunctivitis in babies.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. It's basically the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye - lining the inside of the eyelid. Generally, it shows up in the form of a mild eye infection, but it can be uncomfortable for those suffering from it.

What does baby conjunctivitis look like?

• Pinkness or redness around or inside the eye

• Swelling of the eyelids

• Eyes that leak with tears or mucus

• Dried mucus that forms across eyelashes and eyelids

• Itchiness and irritation

• Sticky residue across the eyeball

Does conjunctivitis in babies need treatment?

Although an eye infection will usually clear up on its own within two weeks, treating symptoms can help accelerate the process. Leaving symptoms untreated can sometimes lead to complications, especially if there is an underlying cause. Additionally, alleviating symptoms can provide some comfort to baby's irritated eyes.

"Antibiotic drops or ointment may speed up how quickly bacterial conjunctivitis clears up by a few days. These are often recommended for adults and children," says Optometrist, Roshni Kanabar, Clinical and Regulatory Adviser at the Association of Optometrists. "However, these are generally quite hard to give to babies. If the eye is sticky, using boiled water that has cooled on sterile cotton wool will keep the eyes clean."

Best baby conjunctivitis treatment UK 2022

Is baby conjunctivitis contagious?

In general, conjunctivitis is extremely contagious. It's why it's so important to wash your hands after coming into contact with someone who has an eye infection.

Realistically we know that older babies are going to itch and rub their eyes. While this is a normal human reaction, encourage your little one not to touch, as their little hands are more than likely to spread the bacteria.

To avoid contamination, washing your hands regularly and keeping your hands away from your eyes can help prevent the spread. For mums, avoid using mascara that someone else has used. Additionally, don't use the same towels or pillowcases as a person with an eye infection.

If you're cleaning babies' eyes, by all means, do not use the same cotton ball to clean their other eye. It is how any infection will spread from eye to eye. Always use a new cotton ball when cleaning each eye.

How do babies catch conjunctivitis?

"There are different forms of conjunctivitis, such as bacterial, viral and allergic," explains Clinical and Regulatory Adviser, Roshni. "However, children and babies are especially prone to bacterial conjunctivitis. It's common for newborn babies to have underdeveloped tear ducts at birth, which can cause the small channels that drain away the tears to be blocked,

It leads to a build-up of tears on the surface of the eye and eyelashes, as the tears cannot drain away properly. As a result, this can sometimes cause the eyes to become pink and sticky, which can develop into a bacterial conjunctivitis infection."

Additionally, our expert goes on to explain, "Bacterial conjunctivitis is also common in toddlers and school-age children as it is so contagious. Conjunctivitis in babies can be caused by bacteria or viruses that are passed from mother to baby during birth."

Another cause of conjunctivitis is likely to be a viral infection from colds, flu and viruses. Whereas allergic conjunctivitis is often the result of aggravation from an allergy. It can be anything from grass and tree pollen to dust mites and animals.

However, there can be more serious reasons as to why a baby may be showing symptoms of eye infection, especially if they're recurring. The cause of conjunctivitis can't be diagnosed without medical attention. Therefore, it's always worth seeking professional advice from a doctor if your baby has conjunctivitis.

Why does my baby keep getting conjunctivitis?

If your baby keeps getting conjunctivitis, it could be due to an underlying health problem such as a weakened immune system, allergic reaction or blocked tear duct.

"If the problem has been caused by the underdevelopment of the tear duct in either eye, it usually self resolves in a few weeks or months once the duct has developed fully and unblocks itself," explains Roshni Kanabar at the Association of Optometrists.

"Sometimes gently massaging the area underneath the eye next to the nose with gentle downward strokes using your finger can help clear any blockages. But if the tear ducts are persistently blocked by the time the baby is one year old, then intervention may be needed by a specialist."

When should I see a doctor for my baby's conjunctivitis?

If you notice any symptoms of conjunctivitis in your newborn baby up to four weeks old, ensure you take them to a doctor immediately. When caused by an infection, neonatal conjunctivitis can be very serious.

According to the NHS, you should call 111 if your newborn baby has red eyes, problems with vision or intense redness and swelling around the eye, amongst other things. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these symptoms in the case that baby needs urgent medical attention.

This article contains expert advice from Optometrist, Roshni Kanabar.

For more information on conjunctivitis and tips on treating the infection visit, Aop.org.uk.