Nursery World - An eye sore

An infection that can spread rapidly among nursery children but usually is easily treated is outlined by Karen Sullivan Few childhood infections are as obvious or contagious as conjunctivitis (also known as 'pink eye'), which affects the thin membrane that lines the inside of the lids and the eyeball (the conjunctiva).

Few childhood infections are as obvious or contagious as conjunctivitis (also known as 'pink eye'), which affects the thin membrane that lines the inside of the lids and the eyeball (the conjunctiva).

There are three main types: infectious, allergic and those resulting from an injury, such as chemicals or foreign bodies in the eye. Only the infectious forms are contagious, and they are spread by contact or touch, not through the air. It is often present in both eyes, as children tend to rub one eye and then the other, and it spreads quickly in households and childcare facilities, as it can be passed on toys, towels, and even by holding hands.

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