myFirst Aid | Eye - Allergy | Community Health Network

Eye - Allergy
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

Definition

An allergic reaction of the eyes
The eyes are itchy and watery

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

Pollens - grass, trees, weeds, molds. Pollens travel in the air.
Pets - cats, dogs, rabbits, horses. Animal allergens may be transferred to the eyes by the hands, but can also be airborne.

If not, see these topics

Runny, itchy 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)

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen Sacs of clear fluid (blisters) 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

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EYE ALLERGY

Wash Allergens Off the Face:
- Use a wet washcloth to clean off the eyelids and surrounding face.
- Rinse the eyes with a small amount of warm water (tears will do the rest).
- Then apply a cold wet washcloth to the itchy eye.
- Wash the hair every night because it collects lots of pollen.
Oral Antihistamines:
- If the nose is also itchy and runny, your child probably has hay fever (i.e., allergic symptoms of the nose AND eyes).
- Give your child an oral antihistamine, which should relieve the nose and the eye symptoms (see Dosage table for chlorpheniramine products).
- Oral antihistamines usually control the eye symptoms and avoid the need for eyedrops.
- Continue oral antihistamines every day until pollen season is over (usually 2 months for each pollen).
New Antihistamine Eyedrops (Ketotifen) for Pollen Allergies (OTC):
- Usually an oral antihistamine will adequately control the allergic symptoms of the eye.
- If the eyes remain itchy and poorly controlled, buy some OTC antihistamine eyedrops.
- Ketotifen eyedrops (OTC) are a safe and effective new product. (2007)
- Dosage: 1 drop every 12 hours
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand (e.g. Zaditor or Alaway)
- For severe allergies, the continuous use of ketotifen eye drops on a daily basis during pollen season will give the best control.
Older Antihistamine/Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops (OTC):
- Usually the eyes will feel much better after the allergic substance is washed out and cold compresses are applied.
- If not, this type of eyedrop can be used for intermittent eye allergy symptoms.
- Dosage: 1 drop every 8 hours as necessary.
Contacts: Some children with contact lenses may need to switch to glasses temporarily (Reason: to permit faster healing).
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

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 6/16/2008

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online