Eye - Allergy

Pediatric HouseCalls Online

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
• Other allergens (e.g., cats).

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 9 am and 4 pm) 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 FOR EYE ALLERGY

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.
   • 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 antihistaminnes 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 develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.