Eye infection

[rattling]

Just had a call from my mum who is looking after my boys today to say that one of them has suddenly started to get pus-like stuff running from both eyes. I'm waiting for a call back from the doctor, but at the moment the next appointment isn't till Wed (when I'd really like him to be well again and at nursery).

So advice? I've asked my mum to pick up some sterile saline from the chemist to wash his eyes with. Is it odd for both eyes to be affected at exactly the same time? I got a lot of conjuncivitis as a child, but it tended to hit one eye then possibly pass to the other.

If it is conjunctivitis you can buy the eye drops over the counter at the chemist now, worth asking if they're suitable for children, will be quicker than waiting for the doctor.

It could be viral, which is why both eyes are infected. Also it is so easy for the second eye to be infected even if it was originally just one eye.

The pharmacy can give him something if he is over one year of age.

Find a local optician who can take a look.

Likely better for diagnosis than a G.P. and can then point you in the best direction for treatment.

Chemist wouldn't give anything and doctor hasn't phoned back. But on nodding terms with a local optician, so may try there if it still looks bad tomorrow.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Have you got a walk in centre near you?