Children and Eye Allergies
What is an Eye Allergy?
An eye allergy takes place when our eyes react to an allergen or a substance
that causes an allergy. Our eyes create a substance known as histamine to kill
the allergen and it makes our eyelids and conjunctiva red, swollen and itchy.
Also known as allergic conjunctivitis, eye allergies are quite common among
children.
Causes
Following are the allergens responsible for the birth of eye allergies.
1. Pollen
Allergies caused due to pollen are typically seasonal. Tree pollen results in
spring allergies, grass pollen causes summer allergies and weed pollen causes
fall allergies. It also depends on what kind of pollen a child is allergic to. A
child could be allergic to a multitude of pollens covering most of the year.
Each seasonal allergy lasts for about 4-8 weeks.
2. Pets
Pet animals like dogs, cats, rabbits and horses carry dander (tiny flecks of
skin). Often pet dander can be spread in the air when these animals move about.
It can also reach into or around our eyes accidentally after touching these
animals. In case you own a pet animal, your child will experience allergic
symptoms all year round if he/she is allergic to animal dander.
3. House Dust
House dust is a combination of pollen, dander, molds and much more. A child who
is allergic to these allergens could experience allergic symptoms throughout the
year.
When a child comes in contact with these allergens, they tend to rub their eyes
excessively as a response. Some of the symptoms they may experience include -
1. Nasal Congestion
2. Runny nose
3. Scratchy throat
4. Cough
5. Itchy Eyes
6. Excessive Eye Rubbing
7. White portion of the eyes turning pink/red
8. Swelling/Redness of the eyelids
9. Glassy-looking or swollen eyes
Diagnosis
Several other eye diseases and inflammatory eye diseases possess symptoms
similar to eye allergies or conjunctivitis like bacterial/viral pink eye and
complication in contact lenses. You must get in touch with your eye doctor to
figure out what the issue could be, so that your child can begin treatment.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on what your child is allergic to and the gravity of
the allergic reaction.
1. Anti-histamine or anti-allergy eye drops will be prescribed by your doctor if
the allergy symptoms are present in the eyes.
2. If the eye allergy is severe, other anti-inflammatory eye drops can be
prescribed to use for a short time to control an acute allergic reaction.
3. If the symptoms include a runny nose or cough, an oral anti-allergy
medication will be prescribed based on your child's needs.
4. Use a warm, damp, clean cloth to clean off allergens resting on your body and
face.
Prevention
Trying to keep your child away from allergens obviously seems easier said than
done, even though it is the best preventive option. However, what you can do is
consult an eye doctor to discuss the best preventive care option to reduce the
severity of the reaction whenever the eye allergy comes up.
Takeaway
Consult your eye doctor as soon as your child experiences symptoms of an
allergic reaction and try to keep your child away from things that cause the
allergy as much as possible.
