Eye Allergy

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)

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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.
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HOME CARE ADVICE

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. Contacts: Children with contact lenses may need to switch to glasses temporarily (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea).
  5. 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).
  6. 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.

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REFERENCES

  1. Meltzer EO. Treatment options for the child with allergic rhinitis. Clin Pediatr. 1998; 37:1-10.
  2. Nash DR. Allergic rhinitis. Pediatr Ann. 1998;27:799-808.
  3. 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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