How To Deal With Eye Infections In Young Children & Toddlers

Paediatric eye infections are a condition that affects a child's vision and can cause pain, redness and discomfort. Commonly caused by the invasion of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other foreign objects, an eye infection in children can result in severe long-term damage if not treated properly. Of all the paediatric eye infections, the most common are known as bacterial and viral conjunctivitis - the latter being the most common cause of eye infections amongst children. Also known as Pink Eye, viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and has to be treated as soon as possible to prevent its spread.

Common Symptoms of Toddler Eye Infection

Eye infections in toddlers and young children can have a variety of causes, but typically this is because of bacteria, viruses, allergens, blocked or incompletely opened tear ducts. A good way to tell if your little one has an eye infection is to look for these symptoms:

1. Red Eyes or Eyelids

Redness and itching in the white part of your child's eye or inner eyelids could mean they have an eye infection. Viral infections, like the common cold, usually go away on their own but if you notice your baby has these symptoms, talk to the doctor about treatment options such as kid-safe eye drops that can reduce eye discomfort, and pain.

2. Eye Discharge

If your toddler has a discharge from their eye that is yellow or greenish in colour, it means that they have an infection. It is important to keep the area clean, and gently wipe away any discharge with a warm clean cloth.

3. Watery Eyes

Watery eyes are a common symptom of cold or allergies but can also indicate a pediatric eye infection. The mucus may be irritating or stinging, causing your child to squint and rub their eyes. However this can worsen the situation and the best thing to do is to keep the area clean. Use gentle soap and warm water to clean and soothe the area before dabbing dry with a soft cloth. Mild prescription eye drops for kids can also relieve discomfort and help your child sleep better until the infection clears.

4. Matted Eyelids

If you notice that your baby or toddler's eyelids are crusted over and appear abnormal, then it is likely that your child has an eye infection.

5. Allergic Reactions

With hay fever and dust allergy, your children’s immune system mistakenly becomes sensitised to allergens like pollen or house dust mites. These in turn affect the children in several ways: red and itchy eyes, a blocked nose, sneezing and coughing.

Prevention of Eye Infections

From the increased risk of germs spreading in schools to the constant touching of surfaces, eye infections are very common for kids because of the factors stated below. Here’s how - we can prevent/reduce the risk of avoiding eye infections in childrens and toddlers:

1. Keep your children's hands clean: As we know, children love playing with different toys and touching various surfaces. So, it is important to keep your children’s hands clean. Childrens touch surfaces and their faces without thinking, exposure to other kids in schools/play areas which ultimately spreads the germs.
2. Avoid excessive touching of the eyes: Keeping your children’s fingers away from their eyes can be challenging because kids usually tend to rub at their eyes often. So, try to inculcate the habit of avoiding excessive touching or rubbing, especially when they have an eye infection.
3. Regular ventilation of rooms: Proper ventilation reduces the risk of children falling ill. The oxygen content of the air plays an important role in maintaining healthy eyes and is the equivalent of an "eye humidifier." Indoor areas should be well-ventilated to ensure proper circulation and that eyes are safely moisturised.

How to Treat Eye Infections?

Here are some of the best eye infections treatment methods for your children,

1.  Visit a pediatric eye care centre or your GP as soon as possible for a diagnosis and prescription.

2. Use ointment or eye drops for kids as prescribed by your doctor or optometrist.

3. Thoroughly wash the face before using eye drops.

4. Take care of your children’s personal hygiene and clothing.

5. Wash hands regularly with baby-care soaps and use gloves if needed.

How Can EMME Visioncare Help You?

Children’s eyes are very sensitive. If your child is suffering from an eye infection, it can be quite a challenge to soothe them. Some parents tend to utilise over-the-counter eye drops for kids trying to treat eye infection but the best way to control the problem is when you take your child to a doctor or eye care centre for an eye checkup to get proper care.

We at EMME Visioncare are committed to providing the best children's eye care in Singapore. Our office was designed with kids in mind so that their visit can be an enjoyable experience. From the eye test and eye infection treatment to consultation sessions, we provide everything to ensure your child feels comfortable and secure. We can diagnose any eye condition or vision problem your child may have. Our highly-trained, experienced optometrists will conduct a thorough exam of your child’s eyes and provide a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. Feel free to visit our eye clinic in Singapore to know more.