How Do You Treat Eye Allergies In Babies?

Eye allergies in kids are among the most common problems arising from environmental conditions or seasonal changes. If your child has red eyes, feels itching, or has watery eyes, it might be an eye allergy.

Eye allergies in kids are usually caused by environmental pollen or mold. Kids often become uncomfortable and rub their eyes, worsening the situation. Therefore, it is important to address the condition promptly.

 

What are the common causes of eye allergy in babies?

 Eye allergy or allergic conjunctivitis arises when an external agent such as pollen, mold, dust, or pet scurf enters the eye. The body releases chemicals such as histamine that trigger inflammation. In response, the eye becomes red or swells up.

Irritation develops in the eye’s surrounding tissue and inside the eyes. In response to the allergen, the eye may discharge water, flushing it out. Kids with Hay Fever or allergic rhinitis also show allergic eye symptoms including red eyes, watery eyes or itching. 

 

What are the first symptoms of detecting eye allergy?

Kids are too young to notice the symptoms, but we as adults can look into the matter. Kids feel uncomfortable and often cry after constantly rubbing their eyes. Some of the initial symptoms include:

1. Redness around the eyeball.
2. Swelling around the eyes.
3. Itching in the eye followed by constant rubbing and crying.
4. Watery eyes.

The symptoms last until the foreign material is inside the eye and vanishes once you remove the allergen.  In the case of Hay fever, the symptoms last for around four to eight weeks while the symptoms last around the year for dust allergens.

 

Eye allergy treatment in kids

Eye allergy in kids can be easily treated with topical and oral medications under the supervision of a pediatric ophthalmologist. MM Joshi Eye Hospital provides comprehensive treatment for the eye allergy in kids. We have a team of professionals who keenly consider kids’ eye health and guide you to improve your child’s eye health.

Furthermore, washing your face and eyes with a cool washcloth or covering your eyes with it can make your child relaxed for some time. However, it is always recommended to seek professional guidance when you encounter such problems.

 

How do we prevent eye allergy in babies?

The best way to deal with the kid’s eye allergy is to reduce exposure to the allergen when the allergy season arrives (specifically spring). Give them the prescribed medicines before the onset of the season so that your child develops immunity against the allergen. 

Some of the precautions to prevent eye allergy are:

1. Use an air purifier & clean your surroundings with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Make a habit of wearing a hat and sunglasses while going outside to protect your kid’s eyes.
3. Ensure your child washes their hands frequently.
4. Discourage the habit of touching eyes with hands while playing.
5. Minimize outings during the pollen season as it is sometimes the root cause of allergy.
6. Give a head bath to your child to remove pollens or allergens from hair.

 

When does the eye allergy become a major concern?

An eye allergy becomes a major concern when:

1. The itching persists even after proper treatment or medications.
2. Clearwater tear converts into discharge with pain.
3. Eyes swell and become red for more than two days.
4. Your child has a fever with itching in the eyes.
5. Feel uneasy while focusing.

 

Conclusion

Eye allergies are common in kids. Itching, redness and swelling in the eyes is a major concern. These allergies can arise when you are exposed to pollen or environmental irritants or sometimes conjunctivitis. If you cannot figure out what is going on, book an appointment with your doctor. The eye allergy can be easily treated with the right medication at the right time without harming the eye’s health.