Eye Allergies In Kids: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Eye allergies in kids are common, and children of varying age groups might experience them. These allergies cause swelling, itching, and redness in the eyes. Although they may interfere with the child’s daily activities, eye allergies are treatable and often disappear within days or weeks.

Seasonal allergies or allergic conjunctivitis are common among children. While seasonal allergies are non-transmissible, eye infections can transfer from person to person or from one eye to the other.

Read on to know about eye allergies in kids, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Symptoms Of Eye Allergies In Children

An eye irritation can develop into a chronic eye allergy and affect a child’s everyday life, and thus, it is essential to identify any discomfort in the eye (1) (2). Further, children might not be aware of the allergy and often rub their eyes, further complicating the eye condition. Although eye allergy symptoms can vary among children, the following are some common symptoms.

• Rubbing, rolling, or forceful blinking
• Itchy sensation in the eyes
• Swollen eyelids and pain in the eye
• Inability to see correctly
• Red, watery eyes and runny nose
• Discoloration of the eyelids
• Yellow or green discharge

Causes Of Eye Allergies In Children

As eye allergies develop suddenly, it may not be easy to know the exact cause during each episode (1). Allergies can occur either during the first encounter with the allergen or with a recurrent exposure. They are sometimes inherited from parents. Children whose parents have allergies and asthma are more susceptible to it.

Some possible causes of allergies in children include:

• Environmental irritants: Exposure to pollen, weeds, and animal dander from dogs and cats often causes eye and nose allergies.

• Insects: Insects, including dust mites, might also trigger eye allergies.

• Plants: Some poisonous plants such as ivy, oak, and sumac can cause eye allergies.

• Foods: Some people are allergic to certain foods such as peanuts and milk, and casual contact with these foods can cause severe allergies in the eyes.

Complications Of Eye Allergies

Ocular allergies cause discomfort and pain in the eyes. Children might be unaware of the allergy and often rub the itchy eyes. When left untreated, eye allergies can sometimes lead to further eye complications, including the following (3) (4) (5).

• Keratoconus eye disease: It is a progressive and rare eye condition that may lead to permanent loss of sight. Eye rubbing in children induced by allergies is one of the causes of keratoconus eye disease.

• Allergic conjunctivitis: Sometimes, an allergen can cause an overactive immune response in the eyes, resulting in allergic conjunctivitis. It is non-infectious and caused by histamine released from mast cells.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: Overdose of certain medications such as corticosteroids can cause further complications such as infection, glaucoma, and cataract.

Diagnosis Of Eye Allergies

The doctor will enquire about your child’s travel history and exposure to common household allergens. They may also examine the eye using a slit lamp microscope or an ophthalmoscope and see if there is a sign of allergy (6).

Treatment Options For Eye Allergies

Eye irritation is often the eye’s instant response to some allergen. Thus, staying away from allergens is often the best treatment option. The following practices can offer relief to your child (1).

• Eye clean-up: A quick eye clean-up with clean water and clean hands can help soothe eye irritation.

• Coldwater treatment: A clean cloth soaked in ice-cold water can be placed on a closed eye for 5-10 minutes to relieve eye irritation.

• Eye drops: Non-prescription eye drops or artificial tears can also be applied for relief.

If the symptoms persist after an eye clean-up, consult a qualified doctor. The doctor may recommend the following medications based on the child’s symptoms. (4).

• Ophthalmic decongestants: These are used to relieve redness and irritation in the eye.

• Oral antihistamines: These are prescribed to ease eye allergies. Some of the antihistamines may cause side effects such as sedation, dizziness, and disturbed coordination.

• Antihistamine eye drops: They are used to reduce itching, redness, and swelling.

• Mast cell stabilizer eyedrops: They are used to stop the release of allergy-causing histamines.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) eyedrops: They are used to relieve pain.

• Corticosteroid eyedrops: They are used to treat severe itching, redness, and swelling in the eye.

• Allergy shots: Long-term or recurrent; this is considered once a particular allergen is identified. The doctor may inject an allergen into the child’s body to stimulate the immune system and help it acclimatize to a particular allergen.

Prevention Of Eye Allergies In Children

Eye allergies are preventable eye conditions. The following measures can help prevent an eye allergy in children (7).

• Avoid traveling to new areas during the allergy season—late winter or spring.
• Use a head and eye cover while going outside.
• Encourage children to wash their hands often.
• Bath and brush pets regularly to remove danders, and do this outside the house away from children.
• Declutter the house and remove unnecessary belongings.
• Clean the house and living area regularly.
• Use air filters to remove the allergen from living areas.

Infographic: Risk Of Allergies In Children

Allergies are common in children; however, some get affected more often than others. Knowing the risk factors can help you prepare better. Read this infographic to learn what factors increase the risk of allergies in children.

References

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Reviewer

Dr. Garima Garg SethMD

     

Dr. Garima Garg Seth is a well-known pediatrician in Gurgaon, having more than 19 years of experience in this field. She has completed her education from topmost organizations in India, including AIIMS, New Delhi; Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi; and CMC Vellore.

Read full bio of Dr. Garima Garg Seth