#asktheexperts My daughter is suffering from eye infection symptoms are watery eyes , white discharge from eyes , swelling

Question

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your daughter might be experiencing an eye infection, which could be caused by several factors such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or a blocked tear duct. Here’s how you can manage the situation:

### **Immediate Steps:**

1. **Maintain Hygiene:**
   - **Hand Washing:** Ensure that everyone, including you and your daughter, washes hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
   - **Clean Eyes:** Gently clean her eyes with a soft, clean cloth dampened with warm water. Wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner and use a different cloth for each eye if both are affected.

2. **Avoid Irritants:**
   - **No Rubbing:** Encourage her not to rub her eyes, as this can spread the infection.
   - **Avoid Sharing:** Do not share towels or washcloths.

3. **Monitor Symptoms:**
   - **Check for Other Symptoms:** Observe if she has other symptoms like fever or unusual irritability, which might indicate a more serious issue.

4. **Consult a Pediatrician:**
   - **Medical Advice:** Contact your pediatrician for a proper diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend eye drops or ointments specific to the type of infection.
   - **Antibiotics:** If the infection is bacterial, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

### **Home Remedies:**

1. **Warm Compresses:**
   - **Soothing:** Apply a warm compress to her eyes for a few minutes several times a day to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

2. **Avoid Allergens:**
   - **Check for Allergens:** Ensure she isn’t exposed to potential allergens that might be causing or aggravating the eye issue.

### **When to Seek Immediate Care:**

- **Severe Symptoms:** If her symptoms worsen, she develops significant pain, vision problems, or a high fever, seek medical attention immediately.
- **Persistent Infection:** If the symptoms don’t improve with basic care or prescribed treatment, consult your pediatrician again.

Eye infections in young children can be quite common but should be monitored closely to ensure they don’t lead to more serious issues.