Notice your child is always rubbing his/her eyes?
One of the causes may be Allergic Conjunctivitis (sensitive allergic eyes). It may also be caused by other eye conditions. Your child needs to be seen by an eye specialist to find the cause and be treated accordingly.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction of the eye to things in the environment such as dust, animal fur, and medications. It is not an infection and not contagious but can be very bothersome.

Q) What are the symptoms?
Itching. The conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids) can swell so it looks like a clear blister on the surface of the eye. It can also become reddish. Other symptoms often encountered include stinging, tearing, and burning. The eyelid skin is very thin so it can become very swollen. Many children rub their eyes constantly. Unfortunately this tends to make the swelling and itching worse.

Q) What causes allergic conjunctivitis?
Locally, perennial, intermittent allergies tend to be due to house dust mite, animal hair and things that are in the air. In temperate countries, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs when a person comes into contact with something like pollen or mould that he/she is sensitized to. Spring, summer and fall allergies tend to be due to what is blooming outside during those times. Allergic eye disease is often associated with a personal or family history of asthma, eczema or rhinitis.

Q) Is allergic conjunctivitis the same as “red eye”?
No. While the eye with allergies can be reddish, it is not contagious. The term “red eye“ usually indicates a contagious infection from viruses or bacteria. While some symptoms may be similar, a virus infection will be more irritating with a greater amount of tearing and discharge. Mucus discharge and the eyelids being stuck together in the morning are common with a bacterial infection.

Q) What medication should my child take for his eye allergies?
Useful medication includes antihistamines/mast cell stabilisers and artificial tears.
• Antihistamines help work against the allergic reaction generated by the body. Sometimes a short course of steroid eye drops is needed.
• Artificial tears work by washing out the allergen from the tear film.

It can be difficult to get eye drops into a struggling child’s eyes. Hence, sometimes children will be given oral medication to get some relief. Cold compresses can also help the itching and swelling.

Q) Why can’t my child use the steroid drops all the time since it works so well?
There is risk of glaucoma and cataract in eyes from prolonged steroid usage. A child on steroid drops needs to be monitored for these side effects. Monitoring for side effects should be done by an ophthalmologist.

Q) What happens if my child does not get treated?
The child may develop lumps under the eyelids. Severe cases can result in scratches on the cornea of the eye, which is painful and potentially blinding.


credit: mumcenter

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