• Infections of the eye caused by bacteria.  
• The infection is easily spread in the following ways:
  • From one person to another, such as when touching or shaking hands.
  • In the air, such as when a person coughs or sneezes.
  • By direct contact with a surface that has had contact with eye discharge.

• Large amounts of drainage/discharge/pus from the eyes. The drainage keeps coming back even after you wipe it off.  
  • Can be white, yellow, or green.  
  • The drainage can dry on the eyelids and eyelashes.  
  • The drainage can make the eyelids stick together, especially after sleeping.
• The white part of the eyes looks very pink or red.  
• Sometimes the eyelids can be puffy. 

• Your child’s provider can diagnose this condition after hearing about your child’s symptoms and performing a physical exam.  
• If your child has other symptoms like fever or ear pain, or if they are very young – this will need to be an in-office visit.  

• Good handwashing is the best way to prevent spread.  
• Teach your child not to touch their eyes.
• Avoid sharing washcloths and towels.  
• Clean high touch surfaces regularly.

• Remove all drainage from your child’s eyes.
  • Use a warm wet washcloth or warm wet cotton balls.
    • Gently clean the surface until it is all removed.
    • Be sure to use a clean cloth or cotton ball each time.  
  • Wash your hands well after any contact with the drainage.
• Use a cool compress (like an ice-pack or washcloth) if your child is complaining of pain or discomfort.

• Antibiotics
  • Bacterial eye infections need to be treated with antibiotics to get better.  
  • Your child’s provider might provide an ointment or drops. Be sure to use the medications as directed.
  • Click here for advice on how to administer the medication.  
  • The drainage should be improving within 3 days of starting the medication.  
  • Do not share medications among family members.  
  • Do not use medications you might have left over from previous infections.  
• Contact lenses
  • If your child wears contact lenses, they need to switch to using their glasses until this infection has cleared.  
  • If their contacts are disposable, they should throw them away and start with a new pair after their infection has cleared.  
  • If the contacts are not disposable, they should be disinfected before using again.  

After they have been using the antibiotic treatment for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving.

• Your child has fever or ear pain with the eye drainage.  
• Your child’s eyelids have become very swollen or red.  
• Your child is having difficulty seeing, double vision, asymmetric or painful eye movements (or tells you their vision looks funny).  
• Your child is not getting better after 3 days of treatment, or if they are getting worse.
• You have other questions or concerns.