Eye allergies are common in children and they can affect their regular activities. Almost every child might have an eye allergy at some point of time. But children will not be able to understand the change and cannot explain their pain or discomfort to their parents. Hence, parents should be aware of the common signs and symptoms of eye infections in children.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Eye Allergies in Children
The common signs and symptoms of eye allergies in children include the following:
- Itching and redness in eyes
- Watery discharge from eyes
- Burning sensation
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Blinking eyes forcefully
- Making rolling eye movements repeatedly
- Swollen eyes
If you observe any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms of eye allergies in your child, consider visiting a paediatric eye doctor if required. Various eye diseases also show similar symptoms of eye allergies and an eye doctor can differentiate them easily.
What Causes Eye Allergies in Children?
Eye allergies in children occur when environmental allergens enter into the eyes. When allergens enter into the eyes, eyes release histamine in response to allergens and it causes inflammation. Kids also rub their eyes due to discomfort and this further worsens the symptoms. The common causes are as follows:
- Pollen: Different pollens can cause allergies such as tree pollens, grass pollens, and weed pollens.
- Dander of pets: Dander from pets such as dogs, cats, and horses can enter into the air when those pets make movements. The allergy can also occur by directly touching the eye surroundings after touching the pets.
- Dust in the house: Children can be allergic to dust, dander, moulds, pollen, etc. Hence house dust that contains all these allergens can also cause eye allergy in your child.
How Can I Prevent Eye Allergies?
There are several measures that can be taken to protect your child from eye allergies. The simple measure is to avoid triggers that your child is allergic to. There are different types of allergies caused by different allergens and it is difficult to identify the type of eye allergy. However, there are some common measures that can be taken to prevent eye allergies in children:
- Keep your windows closed when the pollens are high, which is usually during mornings and evenings
- Reduce the usage of window fans as they bring moulds and pollen into your home
- Always wash the hands when your child pats any animal affectionately
- Wash the hands and body properly to remove allergens if any
- Eye drops can be used if the symptoms of allergy affect only the eyes
- Antihistamine eye drops can be used once in a day to reduce symptoms
- If the eye allergy is severe, anti-allergy eye drops can be used for a short time
The above measures may not be helpful for all types of allergies. If these measures do not help, consider visiting a Paediatric Ophthalmologist to diagnose the condition. The doctor can help determine the right treatment and suggest proper measures to prevent the symptoms of allergy.
Your Child Suffering from Eye Allergy? Visit Think Eye Hospital Today
Though eye allergies may not be harmful, you should consider visiting an eye doctor if the symptoms do not get reduced with home remedies. Think Eye Hospital is a well-known Eye Hospital that can treat all age groups from children to seniors. We have a team of Paediatric Eye Specialists who can effectively diagnose the condition and suggest the right treatment option for your child. To schedule your appointment, feel free to call us today.
