foot and mouth SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Conjunctivitis causes redness of the entire white of the eye. There is a buildup of yellow pus. The eyelids may swell and redden. There is a burning sensation in the eye. Vision is always normal, and light rarely bothers the eye. To place eye drops or ointment into the eye, gently pull down the lower lid to form a pouch. Place the prescribed amount of medication into the pouch. Do not touch the eye dropper or ointment tube to the eye. Direct the child to close the eyes, but not to rub them. Wipe away excess dedication around the eye with a clean tissue. Conjunctivitis is different from other conditions that also cause reddened eyes. Eye allergies cause itching and tearing but rarely pain or pus. Viral infections cause pain and tearing but no pus. Foreign bodies in the eye cause pain, sensitivity to light, and tearing, but no pus; furthermore, redness caused by a foreign body usually appears in only one part of the white of the eye. Glaucoma causes pain, enlargement of the pupil, tearing, and sensitivity to light, but no pus. If your child has reddened eyes, remember to consider these other possible causes. HOME CARE If you suspect that your child has conjunctivitis, call your doctor. Your doctor may wish to see the child; however, if your description of the symptoms is detailed and accurate, the doctor may decide to prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment over the telephone. Always place antibiotic eye drops or ointment in the eyes as frequently as directed. Treat both eyes even if only one eye seems to be affected. Continue treatment for 24 hours after the eyes appear normal. Since conjunctivitis is so contagious, isolate your child from other people. Watch other members of the family for possible symptoms. PRECAUTIONS • With medication, the condition should improve quickly-usually within 24 hours. If the eyes don't begin clearing in that time, call your doctor. • If eye ointments are used, vision will be blurred for a few minutes after each application. Any other vision problems should be reported promptly to your doctor. • Be certain to notify your doctor of any other signs of illness, such as a head cold, nasal discharge, sore throat, earache, fever, or swollen, tender lymph nodes. Conjunctivitis may be a complication of another disease. MEDICAL TREATMENT The doctor will carefully examine the outside and inside of the eyeball, including looking under the eyelids for hidden foreign bodies. Your doctor may stain the eyeball with special drops to look for injuries or ulcers (scratches on the surface of the eye). The doctor may also culture any discharge from the eye, nose, or throat. Antibiotics taken by mouth might be prescribed. If necessary, your doctor may consult an ophthalmologist (a specialist in eye diseases). RELATED TOPICS: Common cold; Earaches; Eye allergies; Eye. three-day