| Vernal Conjunctivitis |
Another important cause of red eyes is allergic conjunctivitis which can happen
in response to any object the child is allergic to e.g. food stuff, pollen etc.
Allergic conjunctivitis is perhaps the most common cause of red eyes in
children. One particular type is called 'Vernal conjunctivitis' or spring
catarrh. This typically affects young children between two and fourteen years of
age and presents with typical features of
1. Intense itching
2. Redness round the year (but more in summer months)
3. A sticky or 'ropy' discharge
The child is usually unable to stop rubbing the eye - so intense is the itch.
Itching precipitates a vicious cycle of more allergy and more itchng. The best
way to break this vicious cycle is by washing the eye with cold water (a little
water from the refrigerator may be mixed with drinking water). This allergy is
caused by pollen and so is most prevalent during summer. It is exacerbated by
exposure to heat. Such children are to avoid the sun. Frequent instillation of
drops are also required during allergic attacks. Teachers must ensure this as
proper periodicity of drops is important.
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'Papillae' seen under the upper eyelid in vernal conjunctivitis |
Typical appearance of the eye in vernal conjunctivitis |
Red Eyes - Introduction | Vernal
Conjunctivitis |
Infective Conjunctivitis
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