Eye Inflammation: How Do Babies Get It?

It is important for parents to be aware of the causes of eye inflammation in babies as this disease can affect their eyes at an early age.

Eye inflammation is a common infection in newborn babies and young children that attacks the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane attached to the front of the eyeball.

When the membrane becomes infected, the eye turns pink, causing eye inflammation.

The causes of eye inflammation in babies

There are several different causes of eye inflammation in babies. It could be a new infection caused by viruses and bacteria, an allergic reaction – produced by allergens – or a negative chemical reaction to something placed directly on the eyes, causing irritation.

Below we describe all the reasons in detail:

Viral infection: Viruses are infectious microorganisms that attack the membrane. Most of the viral infections are caused by adenoviruses, including measles, rubella, and the common cold.

Bacterial infection: This occurs when bacteria contaminate the membrane. It can occur in the mother’s vaginal canal, during natural childbirth – in newborns – and by touching surfaces contaminated with staphylococci or streptococci.

Allergens: These are substances that can generate vulnerability or an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, smoke, etc.

Chemicals: Irritation can occur as a reaction to the drops given to newborns after birth to prevent infections caused by bacteria. It occurs as mild eye irritation and lasts from 24 to 36 hours.

Symptoms of eye inflammation in babies

It is important to know the signs that tell us that babies have eye inflammation. Mothers need to pay attention to their children’s behavior.

Symptoms can vary depending on the causes of the eye inflammation. Below you can see the most common symptoms:

• The eyes are constantly running in water.
• Hypersensitivity to light.
• Inflammation in the white part of the eye and on the eyelid.
• Itchy and burning sensation in the eyes.
• Red eyes.
• White, yellowish or greenish eye secretion. 

The first thing we need to do when we notice some of the symptoms is to take our child to the doctor so the doctor can make a diagnosis and recommend the necessary treatment.

How to treat the infection

The treatment depends on what type of eye inflammation it is. In most cases, viral eye inflammation develops and heals, for example, without the need for specific treatment.

To relieve bacterial eye inflammation, drip the eyes or apply antibiotic gel. You can generally perform the following steps:

• Keep your eyes clean by cleaning the area with a cotton ball dipped in warm water at least three times a day.
• The person who cleanses the eyes should always wash his hands thoroughly before then.
• Carefully place cold compresses on the eyelids.
• Drizzle the eyes to relieve inflammation and dry eyes.
• Always use disposable materials when removing secretions.
• Do not share bedding, towels or clothing during the illness. Wash everything when the treatment is complete.

How to prevent inflammation

You can prevent your child from getting eye inflammation. But to do this, it is important that parents follow these tips:

• Wash your hands often and always have an antibacterial gel with you that you can use before touching your baby.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, handkerchiefs, etc.
• If your baby has allergies, talk to your pediatrician so you can avoid the things that cause it.

In conclusion, keep in mind that even if you are careful, babies will always be exposed to external factors in their environment. Therefore, it is very likely that they will be infected with this disease at some point.

It is important that parents are aware of the causes of eye inflammation so that they can treat it in a timely manner so that the baby can get rid of it faster.