Allergic Conjunctivitis in Children

Allergic Conjunctivitis in Children

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctiva). The inflammation is a reaction to something that has caused an allergic reaction (allergen), such as pollen or dust.

This may cause the eyes to become red or pink and feel itchy. Allergic conjunctivitis cannot be spread from one child to another (is not contagious).

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by an allergic reaction. Common allergens include:

  • Outdoor allergens, such as:
    • Pollen.
    • Grass and weeds.
    • Mold spores.
  • Indoor allergens, such as
    • Dust.
    • Smoke.
    • Mold.
    • Pet dander.
    • Animal hair.

What increases the risk?

Your child may be at greater risk for this condition if he or she has a family history of allergies, such as:

  • Allergic rhinitis (seasonalallergies).
  • Asthma.
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include eyes that are:

  • Itchy.
  • Red.
  • Watery.
  • Puffy.

Your child’s eyes may also:

  • Sting or burn.
  • Have clear drainage coming from them.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. If your child has drainage from his or her eyes, it may be tested to rule out other causes of conjunctivitis. Usually, allergy testing is not needed because treatment is usually the same regardless of which allergen is causing the condition. Your child may also need to see a health care provider who specializes in treating allergies (allergist) or eye conditions (ophthalmologist) for tests to confirm the diagnosis. Your child may have:

  • Skin tests to see which allergens are causing your child’s symptoms. These tests involve pricking your child’s skin with a tiny needle and exposing the skin to small amounts of possible allergens to see if your child’s skin reacts.
  • Blood tests.
  • Tissue scrapings from your child’s eyelid. These will be examined under a microscope.

How is this treated?

Treatments for this condition may include:

  • Cold cloths (compresses) to soothe itching and swelling.
  • Washing the face to remove allergens.
  • Eye drops. These may be prescriptions or over-the-counter. There are several different types. You may need to try different types to see which one works best for your child. Your child may need:
    • Eye drops that block the allergic reaction (antihistamine).
    • Eye drops that reduce swelling and irritation (anti-inflammatory).
    • Steroid eye drops to lessen a severe reaction.
  • Oral antihistamine medicines to reduce your child’s allergic reaction. Your child may need these if eye drops do not help or are difficult for your child to use.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Help your child avoid known allergens whenever possible.
  • Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider. These include any eye drops.
  • Apply a cool, clean washcloth to your child’s eyes for 10–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
  • Try to help your child avoid touching or rubbing his or her eyes.
  • Do notlet your child wear contact lenses until the inflammation is gone. Have your child wear glasses instead.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your child’s symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.
  • Your child has mild eye pain.
  • Your child has sensitivity to light.
  • Your child has spots or blisters on the eyes.
  • Your child has pus draining from his or her eyes.
  • Your child who is older than 3 months has a fever.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
  • Your child has redness, swelling, or other symptoms in only one eye.
  • Your child’s vision is blurred or he or she has vision changes.
  • Your child has severe eye pain.

Summary

  • Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction of the eyes. It is not contagious.
  • Eye drops or oral medicines may be used to treat your child’s condition. Give these only as told by your child’s health care provider.
  • A cool, clean washcloth over the eyes can help relieve your child’s itching and swelling.
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