Conjunctivitis in Children: 4 Rare Causes You Should Know

Commonly known as “Apollo,” conjunctivitis in children is a common eye condition caused by a variety of factors. It that occurs when the conjunctiva (i.e., the membrane that covers the inner part of the eyelid and outer surface of your eyes) becomes inflamed. Although it is characterized by red/pink eyes, not all red eyes are conjunctivitis. It can be triggered by an allergic reaction or bacterial or viral infection. 

Apart from the common causes, conjunctivitis can also be triggered by unusual and often overlooked factors, especially in children. Thus, this article aims to provide some astonishing information on the rare causes of conjunctivitis, the importance of proper diagnosis, and what you can do about it. 

Rare Causes of Conjunctivitis in Children

• Fungal Agents:

  Different types of fungi can invade the eye and cause infection. However, Candida species are the chief culprit that can conjunctivitis in children. The risk factors include sharing cosmetics, continuous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, bathing in stagnant water, weak immunity, etc. When these fungal agents infect the eye, they cause redness, itching, discharge, and irritation. Avoiding the risk factors is one of the best strategies for avoiding fungal conjunctivitis. Although fungal conjunctivitis shares similar symptoms as conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, one distinguishing factor is the slow onset of the symptoms. However, it can get worse if not treated appropriately.   

   

• Chemicals and toxins:

  Have you ever seen a product with the caption “avoid contact with the eyes”? This is because chemicals can elicit allergic reactions, which can trigger the onset of conjunctivitis in children. These include shampoos, unkempt contact lenses, and even chlorine from swimming pools. Also, accidental exposure to chemicals at home or school should be avoided, so supervision is always important for children. 

   

• Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA): 

  This is an autoimmune type of arthritis that commonly affects children. It causes pain in different joints of the body. Surprisingly, this condition can cause eye problems, which include inflammation of various parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva. The most common symptoms of JIA are joint pain or stiffness, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, loss of appetite, etc. 

   

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS):

  This is a rare but severe skin condition that can be caused by certain medications and lead to conjunctivitis in children. These include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory painkillers, etc., especially in adults. In children, this condition can triggered by viral infections such as the cold, flu, etc. SJS can cause lesions and rash on the skin, which can spread to various areas such as the face, arms, legs, etc. Sometimes, the rash from SJS can spread to the eyes and lead to inflammation, redness, and pain in the conjunctiva and cornea.

On this World Sight Day, it is essential to protect the sight of your loved ones, particularly children who might not be aware of the external dangers that can affect their eyes. 

It is vital to know that eye infections like conjunctivitis in children can be dangerously contagious and can affect vision and onset of other eye conditions in the long run. Therefore, adhere to good hygiene practices and minimize close contact if and when your child is exposed. Also, avoid local home remedies like breast milk, urine, salt water, or soap; these can damage the eye. Traditional remedies might also lead to irreparable damage. Boost the eye health of your child with proper nutrition rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Remember that the eyes are irreplaceable and require utmost care at all times.