EYE, ALLERGY
SYMPTOM DEFINITION
- An allergic reaction of the eyes
- The eyes are itchy and watery
Symptoms
- Itchy eyes with frequent rubbing
- Increased tearing (watery eyes)
- Red or pink eyes
- Mild swelling of the eyelids
- No discharge or a minimal sticky, stringy, mucus discharge
- No pain or fever
Causes
- Pollens - grass, trees, weeds, molds
- Pets (e.g., cats, dogs, rabbits, horses)
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- Runny nose and sneezing are also present, see HAY FEVER.
- Yellow or green pus in eyes, see EYE, PUS OR DRAINAGE.
- Doesn't look like eye allergy, see EYE, RED (WITHOUT PUS).
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call your doctor within 24 hours (between 9am and 4pm) if:
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- Sacs of yellow fluid on whites of eyes or inner lids.
- Eyelids are swollen shut (or almost).
- Discharge on eyelids that's not cleared after taking allergy medicines for 2 days.
Call your doctor during weekday office hours if:
- You have other questions or concerns.
- Eyes are very itchy after taking allergy medicines for 2 days.
- Diagnosis of eye allergies never confirmed by your doctor.
Parent care at home if:
- Mild eye allergy and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
HOME CARE ADVICE
- Wash Allergens Off the Face:
- Use a wet washcloth to clean off the eyelids and surrounding face.
- Rinse the eyes with a small amount of warm water (tears will do the rest).
- Then apply a cold wet washcloth to the itchy eye.
- Wash the hair every night because it collects lots of pollen.
- Antihistamine/Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops:
- Usually, the eyes will feel much better after the pollen is washed out and cold compresses are applied.
- Rinsing the eyes with 2 drops of artificial tears also helps to wash out any allergens. Do this 3 times per day.
- If they are still itchy or bloodshot, use antihistamine/vasoconstrictor eyedrops (no prescription needed). You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand.
- Use 1 drop per eye every 8-12 hours as needed.
- Avoid continuous use for more than 5 days. (Reason: prolonged use can cause redness)
- Oral Antihistamines:
- If the nose is also itchy and runny, your child probably has hay fever (i.e., allergic symptoms of the nose AND eyes).
- Give your child an oral antihistamine, which should relieve both symptoms (see Dosage table for chlorpheniramine products).
- Continue it until pollen season is over.
- Oral antihistamines usually prevent the need for eyedrops.
- Contacts: Children with contact lenses may need to switch to glasses temporarily (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea).
- Expected Course: If the allergic substance can be identified and avoided (e.g., a cat), the symptoms will not recur. Most eye allergies continue through the pollen season (4 to 8 weeks).
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Itchy eyes aren't controlled in 2 days with continuous allergy treatment
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child worsens or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
REFERENCES
- Meltzer EO. Treatment options for the child with allergic rhinitis. Clin Pediatr. 1998; 37:1-10.
- Nash DR. Allergic rhinitis. Pediatr Ann. 1998;27:799-808.
- Solomon WR. Nasal allergy: More than sneezing and a runny nose. Contemp Pediatr. 1999;16(8):115-137.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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