Infective conjunctivitis

The following information provides a guide for GPs on how to manage or make a referral for presentation of Infective conjunctivitis in children.

GP Management

Viral Conjunctivitis (previous contact with others with red eye, sore throat, myalgia, fever, cough, cold, swollen preauricular/ submandibular lymph nodes, watery/sticky discharge)

Consider artificial tears/lubricants – soothing effect

Bacterial Conjunctivitis (copious yellowish/greenish sticky discharge):
remind family that this is self-limiting, try to avoid (or delay) antibiotics

Prescribe a broad-spectrum such as G chloramphenicol four times a day for one week only if antibiotics deemed necessary

No need for microbiology swab of discharge

Referral information

Always include:

• Child’s date of birth
• Address
• Child’s social worker details (including Borough), if any
• Parent/carer contact phone number and email

Information for families

• Will get better in 2-3 weeks (self limiting)
• Keep eyelids clean of discharge
• Separate towels when washing
• Good regular hand hygiene, avoid close contact if possible, dispose of tissues
• Stay off school/nursery
• Consider artificial tears from local chemist - these can have a soothing effect
• Paracetamol, rest, fluids etc if systemic viral features

Further assistance

This pathway has been produced by Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to help clinicians manage the healthcare of children and young people. However, if you need to contact a paediatric clinician, please see below for contact details:

Moorfields Eye Hospital:

Paediatric helpline: 0207 2533411 extn 4569, Mon- Fri 10:00am-13:00pm then 14:00pm-16:00pm