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


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.

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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.

Copyright:Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.

Last Review Date: 9/3/2006

Last Revised: 8/5/2006 2:20:46 PM

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online

Version Year: 2006

Copyright 1994-2006 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

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Is Your Child Sick?

Pediatric HouseCalls Online is a guide for treating your child at home, calling your child's doctor or seeking immediate medical attention. Developed by Dr. Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician on staff at The Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schmitt has developed health tools for parents, including Pediatric HouseCalls Online, the Parent Advice Line and his 3rd edition of Your Child’s Health, which is available in bookstores.

Are You Sick?

David A Thompson, MD is the author of Adult HouseCalls Online. He is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at MacNeal Hospital in Chicago. He has a national reputation in telephone triage, decision support tools, medical information technology and quality improvement. Adult HouseCalls Online is a decision support tool for adults that has been reviewed and approved by adult physicians.

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