EYE, ALLERGY Main Symptoms Itchy eyes with frequent rubbing Increased tearing (watery eyes) Red or pink eyes Mild swelling of the eyelids No discharge or a minimal sticky, stringy, mucus discharge. No pain or fever Causes Pollen or other allergens (e.g., cats). See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If Runny nose and sneezing are also present, see HAY FEVER. Yellow or green pus in eyes, see EYE, PUS OR DRAINAGE. Doesn't look like eye allergy, see EYE, RED (WITHOUT PUS). WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EYE, ALLERGY Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If You think your child needs to be seen. Sacs of yellow fluid on whites of eyes or inner lids. Eyelids are swollen shut (or almost).  Discharge on eyelids that's not cleared after taking allergy medicines for 2 days. Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns. Eyes are very itchy after taking allergy medicines for 2 days. Diagnosis of eye allergies never confirmed by your doctor. Parent Care at Home If Mild eye allergy and you don't think your child needs to be seen. Back to Top HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EYE ALLERGY Wash Off Allergens: First wash the pollen off the face. Use a wet washcloth to clean off the eyelids and surrounding area. Rinse the eyes with a small amount of warm water (tears will do the rest). Then apply a cold washcloth to the itchy eye. Wash the hair every night because it collects lots of pollen. Antihistamine/Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops: Usually, the eyes will feel much better after the pollen is washed out and cold compresses are applied. If they are still itchy or bloodshot, instill antihistamine/vasoconstrictor eyedrops (no prescription needed). You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand. Use 1 drop every 8-12 hours as needed. Avoid continuous use for more than 5 days. Oral Antihistamines: If these measures aren't effective, your child probably also has hay fever (i.e., allergic symptoms of the nose and eyes). Give your child an oral antihistamine, which should relieve both symptoms (see Dosage table for chlorpheniramine products). Continue it until pollen season is over. Contacts: Children with contact lenses may need to switch to glasses temporarily (reason: to prevent damage to the cornea). Expected Course: If the allergic substance can be identified and avoided (e.g., a cat), the symptoms will not recur. Most eye allergies continue through the pollen season (4 to 8 weeks). Call Your Doctor If: Itchy eyes aren't controlled in 2 days with continuous allergy treatment Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP Reviewed 8/2005 Revised 7/2005 See Other Topics: Eye, Pus or Drainage Eye, Red (Without Pus) Hay Fever (Nose Allergies) View Index of Topics