Why Does My Child Keep Getting Eye Infections?

Eye infections — specifically conjunctivitis or pink eye — are extremely common in children, and unfortunately, they spread easily from child to child.

But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. Eye infections can cause discomfort, gritty sensations in the eyes, itchiness, excessive tearing, and eye discharge.

If  your child keeps getting eye infections and you’re wondering why, then read on. Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed highlight why kids are prone to eye infections and how the team here at Eye Q Optique can help.

Types of eye infections in kids

While pink eye may be the most discussed eye infection, it’s not the only one. Other types of eye infections include: 

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which makes their eyes red, itchy, and discharge fluid

• Styes, which cause painful, swollen lumps on their eyelids due to bacterial infections

• Blepharitis, which inflames and crusts the base of their eyelashes

• Fungal infections, such as keratitis and endophthalmitis

Your child’s Eye Q Optique provider can determine which type of infection your child has, whether it’s caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. They can also recommend the right treatment and provide specific prevention tips.

Why kids are prone to eye infections

Anyone can develop an eye infection, but kids are prone to them because of: 

Poor hygiene

Children often touch their faces and eyes with unwashed hands, which can transfer bacteria and viruses to your child’s eyes. 

If your child is old enough, teach them the importance of washing their hands regularly and avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. 

For smaller children and toddlers, it’s harder to limit face touching. Regularly clean their toys to help reduce their exposure to germs. Wash their hands for them, especially after playing, visiting the park, or coming home from daycare.

Eye allergies

Allergies themselves don’t cause infections, but they can make your child's eyes itchy, which then leads to frequent rubbing. This irritation plus rubbing with potentially unwashed hands can introduce bacteria into the eyes.

Monitor your child for signs of eye allergies — red eyes, watery eyes, itchy eyes — and reach out to our team for allergy treatment. In the meantime, try a warm wet washcloth to help soothe itchy eyes. 

Exposure to bacteria in pools and lakes

Chlorinated pools can irritate your kids’ eyes. Lakes and rivers can be breeding grounds for bacteria, but public pools can also harbor bacteria if not properly maintained. Encourage your child to wear goggles while swimming and avoid swimming in poorly maintained pools.

Reminder: If your child wears contact lenses, they should refrain from swimming in them.

Close contact with infected individuals 

Eye infections, like conjunctivitis, are highly contagious. Keep your child away from others with eye infections and teach them not to share personal items like towels, makeup brushes (either with friends or at beauty counters), or eye drops.

What to do if your child has frequent eye infections

If your child has frequent eye infections, try to pinpoint the source. Consider the following:

• Your child’s hygiene habits

• If your child uses shared eye makeup (at beauty counters or friends’ houses)

• If your child rubs their eyes (to combat allergy itchiness)

• If anyone in your child’s daycare or school has been infected recently

• If your child swims often or showers in contacts 

• If your child has fully finished the treatment for the previous infection (never stop antibiotics early)

Depending on the root cause of the infection, you may want to revisit hand washing tips with your child, the importance of not sharing personal items with friends, and how to properly care for contact lenses.

Our team can help determine the source of your child’s infections and get them started with the right treatment. Treatments may include anti-fungal products, eye drops, antibiotics, or lifestyle changes depending on which type of infection you’re dealing with.

If you suspect your child has an eye infection brewing, call either the office or click here to request a pediatric eye exam.