Conjunctivitis is a common diagnosis in children and babies. Due to close physical contact when playing with other children or family members, children are particularly at risk for contracting and passing on contagious conjunctivitis. Combined corneal and conjunctivitis (keratoconjunctivitis) often breaks out like an epidemic in kindergartens or schools. Therefore, many schools and kindergartens are required to have a sufficient cure before an ill child should go back among other children.
Causes of conjunctivitis in babies and children
A very common cause of conjunctivitis in children and babies is obstruction of the tear ducts. The tear ducts can often be delayed in developing. Because the tears cannot drain, children suffer from a constantly watery eye and a small tear lake forms on the lower eyelid.
This tear lake favors the colonization of bacteria and the child suffers recurrent conjunctivitis. The ophthalmologist tries to reopen the tear ducts, allowing tear drainage. Then the conjunctivitis usually stops.
Gonococcal conjunctivitis
Gonococcus can cause dangerous conjunctivitis. If a mother carries the gonorrhea bacterium in her genital tract, the newborn can become infected in the birth canal and develop conjunctivitis. Then the baby must be treated in the hospital to prevent corneal involvement and further complications.
To prevent gonococcal conjunctivitis in the baby, prophylactic eye drops can be given after birth.
Chlamydia and pneumococcus as a cause.
Chlamydia is also a common cause of conjunctivitis in babies. Again, babies can become infected during birth in the mother’s birth canal. A chlamydial infection of the mother is often asymptomatic and can therefore remain unnoticed for a long time.
Other relatively common pathogens of neonatal conjunctivitis are pneumococci. With them, a corneal ulcer may develop in addition to the general symptoms.
In addition to the highly contagious keratoconjunctivitis, babies can contract another form of viral conjunctivitis. This is caused by herpes viruses, which may be located in the mother’s birth canal.
