When it comes to illnesses and eye conditions in children, it's a matter of when rather than if. Conjunctivitis — also known as pink eye — is no exception, which is why eye doctors work so hard to make sure families are fully informed about this condition and its myriad causes. That holds true for Cincinnati, OH's Wing Eyecare, boasting over a century of experience in helping patients with thorough eye exams and a focus on both internal and external eye health.

A Closer Look at Conjunctivitis

The first thing you should know about conjunctivitis is that it's a highly contagious condition that involves an inflammation in the eye area. It's relatively easy to spot and simple to treat, and you'll be ready to handle the condition if your child develops it with a little help from your eye doctor. 

What Causes It?

Viruses, bacteria, allergies, and chemicals are among the most common causes of conjunctivitis. The most contagious forms stem from the first two, and symptoms include itching and burning sensations. The level of discomfort involved varies from case to case, and for most, it will be more irritating than painful.

What Should I Do If My Child Has It?

While conjunctivitis is easily treatable, even minor cases should be inspected immediately. This is especially true in the case of newborn conjunctivitis, which may contribute to more serious health issues in the future. No matter your child's age, it's best to leave the official diagnosis to your eye doctor.

Is It Preventable?

The good news about conjunctivitis is there are steps you can take to make sure it doesn't happen in the future. For children who are susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis, you should close windows and doors during pollen-heavy days and keep your home as free of dust and other pollen triggers as possible. For common contact-based cases, avoid touching your child's eyes or face with unwashed hands.

Children will be children, however, so there's no way to fully guarantee prevention all year round. The best you can do is to act quickly and get a proper diagnosis from an eye doctor and follow any directions they provide. Those in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas can count on Wing Eyecare for this and many other expert services. Give them a call at (888) 274-9464 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for further information on eye conditions.