How to Identify and Treat Pink Eye in Babies

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, refers to inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids. When this membrane becomes infected with a bacterium or virus, inflammation can occur.

Pink eye in newborns may lead to serious complications and requires medical treatment right away.

This article provides an overview of pink eye in babies, including how to recognize it and when to seek treatment. 

Early Signs of Pink Eye in Babies

It can be challenging to recognize the early signs of pink eye in newborns and infants. You may notice that your child’s eyelids appear red and puffy. The eyelids may also feel tender to your little one as well.

Symptoms of Pink Eye in Babies

Symptoms of pink eye in babies include:

• Eye redness 
• Eye discharge
• Crusting over the eyelids or eyelashes 
• Rubbing the eyes 
• Increased tear production
• Fussiness or irritability 

Pink Eye Causes

Possible causes of pink eye in newborns include:

• Chlamydial pink eye: This occurs when a birthing parent with untreated genital chlamydia passes the infection to the baby during childbirth. Newborns with this type of pink eye usually develop symptoms about five to 12 days after birth.
• Gonorrheal pink eye: This occurs when a birthing parent with untreated gonorrhea passes the infection during childbirth. Symptoms usually begin about two to five days after birth. This infection can lead to serious complications, including bacteremia and meningitis. 
• Chemical pink eye: This occurs when a newborn’s eyes become irritated from antibiotic eye drops administered at birth. Symptoms usually last about 24–36 hours.

Causes of pink eye in older infants and children include:

• Bacterial pink eye: It spreads quickly among infants and children and may sometimes present with an ear infection. 
• Viral pink eye: It is most often caused by the adenovirus, is very contagious, and often causes watery discharge from the eyes.  
• Allergic pink eye: Common triggers include trees, weeds, grass, plants, mold, pet dander, and dust mites. Babies with eczema are at higher risk of experiencing allergic pink eye. 
• Irritant pink eye: This occurs when an irritant (dust, smoke, or chemicals) or a foreign body is in the eye.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

See your healthcare provider if you notice pink eye in your newborn baby. This could be a sign of a serious infection that needs to be treated right away. 

If your infant or toddler has pink eye, it’s important to see your provider if they develop any of the following symptoms: 

• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Worsening symptoms

Treatment

Treatment for pink eye in babies depends on the underlying cause. Many cases resolve on their own without medical treatment, but bacterial infections require antibiotics. 

Home Remedies

Home remedies may be helpful if your healthcare provider has determined that your child’s pink eye does not require medical treatment. Some treatments to try include:

• Warm compress: Use a warm compress to remove discharge and crusting from the eye and eyelashes.
• Cold compress: Holding a cold compress lightly over your baby’s eye may help to relieve inflammation.
• Handwashing: While caring for your baby, wash your hands frequently. 

When treating pink eye at home, the healing times may vary:

• Chemical pink eye: Resolves in 24–36 hours 
• Viral pink eye: Resolves in seven to 14 days
• Allergic pink eye: Resolves when the allergen is removed
• Irritant pink eye: Resolves when the irritant is removed 

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment for pink eye usually involves antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. These types of pink eye require the following antibiotics:

• Chlamydial pink eye: Oral antibiotics
• Gonorrheal pink eye: Intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) antibiotics 
• Bacterial pink eye: Antibiotic eye drops or ointment

Prevention

Pink eye is very contagious, but there are steps that you can take to lower your risk of getting it. Pink eye spreads when your hands become contaminated with the infection. When you touch your eyes or face, the infection can spread to your eye. 

If your child has pink eye, be mindful of not touching your face after caring for them. Some additional tips include:

• Washing hands: Frequent handwashing is the best way to prevent pink eye. Wash your hands after coming in contact with your baby or any item they may have touched. 
• Cleaning surfaces: Disinfect any surfaces or toys your baby has touched. This will need to be done throughout the day. 
• Seeking medical care: Consult your healthcare provider if your baby shows signs of pink eye. Bacterial causes of pink eye often require antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy may shorten the duration of illness and contagiousness. 
  

Summary 

Pink eye refers to inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid. Pink eye is relatively common in babies and may be caused by an infection, irritation, or blocked tear duct. A healthcare provider should evaluate newborns with signs of pink eye immediately. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotic therapy.

A Word From Verywell

New parents have a lot to worry about, and pink eye may be one of them. While many cases of pink eye in babies are mild and resolve on their own, it is important to let your healthcare provider know. Gonorrheal pink eye has serious complications that could significantly affect your baby’s health. Call your healthcare provider if you’re unsure what is causing your baby’s eye redness.