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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Eye Allergies
DESCRIPTION
- itchy eyes with frequent rubbing
- increased tearing
- red or pink eyes (without pus)
- mild swelling of the eyelids
- no pain or fever
- similar symptoms during the same month of the previous
year.
SIMILAR CONDITION
If hay fever is suspected, see Hay Fever.
CAUSE
Eye allergies that occur during the same season each year
are caused by pollens. Allergies that are not seasonal may
be caused by pets (for example, cats), feathers, perfumes,
mascara, eyeliner, etc.
EXPECTED COURSE
Most eye allergies due to a pollen last 4 to 6 weeks, which
is the length of most pollen seasons. If the allergic
substance can be identified AND avoided, the symptoms will
not recur (for example, a cat).
HOME CARE
- Remove pollen
First wash the pollen off the face. Then use a clean
washcloth and cool water to clean off the eyelids.
(Tears will wash the pollen out of the eyes.) This
rinse of the eyelids may need to be repeated every time
your child comes in on a windy day. Pollen also
collects in the hair and on exposed body surfaces. This
pollen 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.
- Vasoconstrictive 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 or
bloodshot, your child may need long-acting
vasoconstrictive eyedrops prescribed by your physician.
- Oral antihistamines
If these measures aren't effective, your child probably
also has hay fever (that is, allergic symptoms of the
nose) and needs an oral antihistamine prescribed by your
physician.
- Prevention
Don't touch your eyes unless your hands are washed.
Your hands may contain pollen, animal substances or
other irritants. For young women, mascara or eyeliner
may be the cause.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN 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.
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