Dear Dr. Lindeman
My daughter's eye is pink, oozy and she says it itches. What is it?

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Sounds like she may have conjunctivitis. The word "conjunctivitis" refers to swelling (or inflammation) of the invisible covering of the eyeball. Not all conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infection. Other causes include:

• Virus infections
• Environmental allergies
• Irritation from small objects that get in the eye
• (In babies) narrow tear ducts
• Eyelid lump, or stye (sometimes mistakenly referred to as "pig's sty")

The amount of "eye goop" (discharge) is often the best way to tell if the conjunctivitis is bacterial or not. If the eyelids are matted shut when the child awakens, and if there is dried goop on the child's upper cheeks, there is probably enough goop (pus, really) to justify calling the conjunctivitis bacterial.

Sometimes, schools or daycare centers require a doctor to see a child with conjunctivitis from any cause. They may even require that the child receive treatment before returning to school/daycare. This is wasteful and unnecessary in most cases, but "rules are rules".

Home Treatment

• To remove eye discharge, using a clean face cloth and warm water, wipe the eyes from the middle outwards.
• Rinse the eyes often with warm water and wipe with a clean face cloth.
• Wash your own hands well. Do not touch your face unless you have washed your hands well: bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious!

Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if:

• Your child's eyelids become red or swollen
• Your child's vision becomes blurry
• Your child begins acting very sick

Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if:

• Your child's eyelids become matted with eye goop
• The problem lasts longer than one week
• You have other concerns or questions

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Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Updated: 10/30/02