At the pediatric clinic, there have been many young patients who have come for treatment recently due to "red eyes and rubbing eyes". This may be a manifestation of conjunctivitis, commonly known as "red eye disease". Although this disease is common in clinical practice, its causes and treatment methods vary, and parents should not take it lightly! What is "red eye disease" - the defense line of the eyes is lost. "Red eye disease" is medically known as "acute conjunctivitis", which is inflammation of the conjunctiva (a transparent film covering the white eye and the inner side of the eyelids). The conjunctiva is like the "frontline guard" of the eyes. When it is attacked by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, it becomes inflamed and congested, forming conjunctivitis. There are three main types of conjunctivitis in children, and their characteristics and differences are as follows: viral conjunctivitis is the most common, highly contagious, caused by viral (such as adenovirus) infection, with visible aqueous secretions (manifested as "watery eyes"), strong foreign body sensation, often accompanied by cold symptoms, and can quickly spread in schools. It usually occurs in one eye first and then spreads to the other. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also highly contagious, but not as severe as viral conjunctivitis. It is caused by bacterial (such as Staphylococcus aureus) infection and can result in purulent discharge (manifested as yellow green, paste like eye droppings). It often sticks to the eyelids and cannot be opened in the morning. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is related to individual constitution and allergens. Often caused by exposure to allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, etc.), the itching is extremely intense, to the point where children frequently rub their eyes, which may be accompanied by allergic symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. Home care and treatment: Targeted treatment is crucial for different types of conjunctivitis, and the coping methods are completely different. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish different types of conjunctivitis and follow medical advice when taking medication. Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis has self-healing properties and usually takes 5-7 days. The most important thing is isolation! Children's towels, basins, and pillowcases must be used separately and disinfected to avoid clustered infections at home and on campus. Bacterial conjunctivitis: It is necessary to use antibiotic eye drops or ointments and strictly follow the prescribed treatment plan. Even if the symptoms improve, do not stop taking the medication on your own. To clean your eyes at home, you can use a sterile cotton swab dipped in cold water or saline solution to gently wipe off secretions from the inside out. Pay attention to using one cotton swab for each eye to prevent cross infection. Of course, it is also necessary to properly isolate the supplies. Allergic conjunctivitis: Anti allergic eye drops can be used, and if accompanied by systemic allergic symptoms, oral anti allergic medication can be taken. Try to avoid allergens in daily life, such as reducing outings or wearing masks during pollen season, changing bed sheets and covers frequently to remove mites, etc. Cold compress can also relieve itching, lasting 10-15 minutes each time. Cold compress is the most effective and safe way to relieve eye itching. Be careful to prevent children from rubbing their eyes! Rubbing the eyes will intensify the stimulation, leading to a vicious cycle of itching as you rub. Two common misconceptions, parents please keep them in mind. Misconception one: overuse of eye drops. Never use hormone eye drops without authorization. Although they can quickly reduce redness, if used for viral or fungal infections, it can lead to a rapid deterioration of the condition and a risk of blindness. Misconception 2: Covering or applying heat to the affected eyes. Covering the eyes with gauze or eye masks can create a humid and warm environment, promoting the growth of bacteria or viruses. Hot compress can exacerbate congestion and discomfort. Prevention is better than cure - keeping "red eye disease" at the door. Developing good habits is key: wash hands frequently: educate children not to rub their eyes with dirty hands, and wash their hands with running water and soap before meals, after using the bathroom, and after outdoor activities. Separate supplies: Ensure that children have dedicated towels, basins, and pillowcases, and regularly clean and disinfect them. Be cautious in public places: warn children not to rub their eyes with their hands in swimming pools, amusement parks, and other places. Allergy babies should be protected: babies who have identified allergens should wear goggles or glasses when going out during pollen season. When is it necessary to seek medical attention? If any of the following situations occur, please take the child to the hospital immediately: the child complains of severe eye pain or experiences vision loss or blurred vision; Severe redness and swelling around the eyelids or eyes; White or grayish white areas appear in the pupils; The symptoms of photophobia are very severe. In short, parents should learn to preliminarily identify types and take correct home care. When you are unsure, the safest choice is always to take your child to see a doctor in a timely manner and let professional people do professional things, so that your child can recover their health as soon as possible. (The author is Ling Yongmei, Deputy Chief Physician of Pediatrics at Tongxiang Women's and Children's Health Hospital in Zhejiang Province) (News Agency)