Ophthalmology

Reddened eyes in children and babies

introduction

Reddened and irritated eyes occur more frequently in early childhood, so it is important to be able to distinguish at least in the beginning what caused the inflammation in the child.
In addition to the reaction to the environment (sun, wind, allergy), bacterial infections are also possible, which is why a visit to the ophthalmologist is urgently recommended despite the frequency of childhood eye infections.

Clogged tear duct

root cause

In about 6% of all children it comes from one (mostly only one-sided) incompletely opened nasal passage The excess tear fluid in the eye collects, as it cannot flow through the nose to the back of the throat as normal.

The build-up of the liquid creates a reservoir directly on the eye, in which bacteria can multiply and the normal cleaning of the eyes by always fresh tear fluid is limited or greatly reduced.

therapy

If there is a permanent but only very slight excess of tears right at the beginning, one can wait first. Often the tear ducts widen on their own in the first few months. A gentle one Pressure massage with fingertips Above the tear sac at the inner corner of the eye down towards the nose can have a supportive effect. To clean the eye, you can gently wipe the outer corner of the eye towards the nose with lukewarm water and a disposable washcloth.

forecast

If the eye is very sensitive to pain or is watering heavily, it is one ophthalmological clarification necessary.

Inflammation of the eyelid

causes

Foreign bodies, smoke, dust or but bacteria (e.g. Streptococci) can lead to eyelid inflammation. Suffer the child Neurodermatitis, an infection of the dry, flaky skin is quickly possible.

Symptoms

It's on Eye in case of inflammation Often increased secretion can be observed that can stick as "crusts", especially at the corners of the eyes and the edges of the eyelids.
Will the Eyelids red, swell and will painful, one speaks of a Inflammation of the eyelid the eyelids. Yellow crusts, but also pus dots that resemble a “ripe pimple” indicate bacterial inflammation.

therapy

Within two days should improve. If this does not occur, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. This then prescribes if necessary antibiotic eye dropsgiven locally in the eye.
A gentle one Cleaning the eye With cotton pads or disposable washcloths, with lukewarm water or black tea (also has a healing effect), the inflammation can subside more quickly.
Bright light should be avoided with the help of sun protection (sunglasses) as well as contact with foreign bodies in order not to interfere with healing.

Current studies have shown that, among other things, far-sighted children are more prone to eyelid inflammation. For this reason, a clarification of any ametropia by an ophthalmologist is recommended.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is probably that most common cause for reddened eyes in childhood.

causes

By Viruses, bacteria or external causes like foreign body or wind can be such infection arise.

Symptoms

Through the thin and actually transparent vessels in the Conjunctiva Increased blood flows through the infection and the associated defense reactions of the eye. The eye reddens thereby, swells on and itches and or burns.

In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, purulent or yellow secretions can usually be seen that stick together the edges of the eyelids. Especially in the morning, the eyes are sometimes very crusty.

The secretion of viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is watery, but even more infectious than the yellowish secretion of a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva.

therapy

In the event of pus or severe inflammation of the eye, the child should, if possible, be presented to an ophthalmologist on the same day. While viral conjunctivitis usually subsides on its own within a week and there is no treatment option other than the most careful hygiene measures possible, bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic drops.

In addition, gently washing the eyes with lukewarm disposable washcloths / cloths is helpful to alleviate the symptoms. Compresses with cool water or black tea can also help to reduce inflammation.

Read more on the topic Therapy of conjunctivitis in children

prophylaxis

Conjunctivitis are very contagious and so it is extremely important not to transmit the infection through towels, fingers, washcloths, tissues or the like. A co-infection of the second eye, however, can hardly be prevented, especially in children, since they cannot control themselves to touch the aching eye.
For this reason it makes sense to the child not in childcare for at least two days to give but to keep at home to avoid spreading the inflammation among the other children.

Barley or hailstones

causes

If the sebum / fat glands on the edge of the eyelid are clogged and inflamed, the secretion or pus collects to a point on the inner or outer edge of the eyelid.
The Lid swells massively in part and reddened. It can be itchy and painful. While that Hailstone makes less discomfort, that is Stye more acute in the symptoms and occurs more often in children than the hailstone.

therapy

By warmth (e.g. warmed gel pillow or warm disposable washcloths or cotton wool pads) the secretion in the glandular ducts can be liquefied and drain away more easily. Also red light helps the inflammation to heal more quickly.
If the swelling obstructs the view, the eye is severely inflamed or reddened, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately.
The doctor can then do a Antibiotic therapy initiate.

Note:
The Stye Under no circumstances should one attempt to express it, as it will then be pressed into the surrounding tissue and the infection together with the bacteria will spread in this way.

forecast

The stye remains harmless when it "ripens" by itself and empties or the body breaks it down from the inside. This can Take 2-3 daysuntil a cure can be seen, but patience pays off.

allergy

From about kindergarten age one can allergy Be the trigger for a red eye.

Symptoms

About a third of allergic children react to this Contact with the allergens with red, watery eyes. In addition, the eye itches strongly, burns and clear secretion flows. In addition, the child's nose runs, as the excess tear fluid runs off through the nasal passage. It is also possible that the child often Sneeze got to.

therapy

The doctor can address the underlying allergy antiallergic tablets or eye drop prescribe. A Allergy test can narrow down what exactly is causing the allergy.

That is important even with severe itching Not to rub eyes, because this also irritates the mucous membrane of the eye and the symptoms can be felt even more strongly and the eye becomes more reddened.