How common are allergies among children?

Many children are affected by ongoing allergies, which may become severe enough to affect their daily activities. However, children cannot always recognize what is wrong or explain their discomfort to family members or caregivers. Looking out for specific behaviours or signs are useful in spotting eye allergies in children.

What are the symptoms among children?

Children with eye allergies often:

• Rub their eyes
• Blink forcefully and repeatedly
• Make rolling eye movements in response to the itchy sensation caused by allergies
• Complain that their eyes hurt or that they can’t see well 
• Have red or watery eyes similar to, but less severe than pink eye 
• Have mild swelling of the eyelids and a darkened discolouration of the skin under the eye may also occur. 

It is important to differentiate eye allergies from other forms of pink eye and eye inflammation by seeing a Doctor of Optometry. Severe eyelid swelling (causing the eye to remain closed) and/or a yellow or green discharge may signal a potentially serious eye infection and warrants more urgent attention.

What causes allergies among children?

It may be difficult to identify the cause of the allergies. 

Allergies tend to run in families. Children are more likely to suffer allergy symptoms if they have a parent with allergies or asthma. Exposure to certain allergens can trigger a reaction in susceptible individuals. 

Common allergens include tree, grass, and weed pollen; mold spores; dust mites; and cat, dog and rodent dander. Contact with plants (poison ivy, oak, sumac), certain foods (peanuts, milk) and insects may also trigger an allergic reaction of the skin, including the eyelids. Allergies may appear at the first encounter with a specific trigger or may develop after several exposures.

What are treatments for children with allergies?

• Reduce or avoid contact with the allergy trigger, if it is known. This is the most effective way to avoid allergies. 
• Make sure your children wash their hands and face often and resist touching or rubbing their eyes.
• Hold a clean face cloth soaked in ice-cold water over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. This will reduce itchiness and bring some relief.
• Non-prescription artificial tear eye drops also will provide relief, especially if they are stored in the refrigerator to keep them cold. Repeating these simple procedures two to three times per day is recommended.

If symptoms continue even after these treatments, have your child seen by a Doctor of Optometry. Once the eye allergy is confirmed, your Doctor of Optometry can recommend and prescribe specific allergy medications depending on the child’s age and the severity of the eye irritation.