Eye Allergies

What are eye allergies?

An eye allergy is an allergic reaction to some substance on the surface of the eye. With an eye allergy, your child will have:

• itchy eyes (your child may frequently rub them)
• increased tearing
• red or pink eyes (without pus)
• mild swelling of the eyelids.

What is the cause?

Eye allergies that occur during the same season each year are caused by allergens. Allergies that are not seasonal may be caused by pets (for example, cats), feathers, perfumes, eye makeup, dust mites, or another substance. The things that cause allergies are called allergens.

How long does it last?

Most eye allergies caused by a pollen last 4 to 6 weeks, which is the length of most pollen seasons. If the allergic substance can be identified (for example, a cat) AND avoided, the symptoms will not return .

How can I take care of my child?

• Remove allergen

  First wash the allergen off the face. Then use a clean washcloth and cool water to clean off the eyelids. (Tears will wash the allergen out of the eyes.) This rinse of the eyelids may need to be repeated every time your child comes in on a windy day. Allergens also collect in the hair and on exposed body surfaces. They can easily be reintroduced into the eyes. Therefore, give your child a shower and shampoo every night before bedtime. Encourage your child not to touch his eyes unless his hands have been washed recently.

• Eyedrops

  Usually, the eyes will feel much better after the pollen is washed out and a cold compress (for example, a cold washcloth) is applied. If they are still itchy, put some special eyedrops in your child's eyes. Your child's eyedrops are __________________. Use 1 drop as directed.

• Oral antihistamines

  If these measures aren't effective, your child probably also has hay fever (that is, allergic symptoms of the nose) and may need an oral antihistamine. Your child's medicine is ________________________. Give _________, ______ times a day until the allergy season is over.

How can eye allergies be prevented?

Some suggestions to reduce exposure to allergens are:

• Keep your child's bedroom windows shut and use central air conditioning during spring, summer, and fall pollen seasons. If a room air conditioner is used, recirculate the indoor air rather than pulling outside air indoors. Air purifiers can be helpful if filters are kept clean. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are best. Wash or change air filters once a month.
• Your child should shower, shampoo, and change clothes right after working or playing outside during allergy season.
• Your child should not be outdoors when the lawn is being mowed.
• Your child should wash his hands immediately after any contact with a pet.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call during office hours if:

• This treatment and an antihistamine do not relieve most of the symptoms in 2 or 3 days.
• You have other concerns or questions.