Eye Allergies in Babies: Causes and Treatments
Eye allergies in babies are usually caused due to environmental pollens.
Allergies develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to external things like dust.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, seasonal allergies are most common in the United States, affecting more than 7% of children in 2018.
But eye allergies are not very serious and usually go away in a few days.
This article outlines the triggers, signs, and treatments of eye allergies in kids.
Triggers
Eye allergies in kids generally occur when allergens like pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust get into the eye.
When these allergens get into the eyes, as a response, the body releases chemicals like Histamines.
These chemicals trigger inflammation that causes the eye to become red.
Here are some common triggers of baby allergies eyes:
Outdoor allergens
Outdoor allergens are fine particles produced by trees, mold, or grass called pollens.
Allergies caused by pollens are seasonal allergies, also known as Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC), and are the most common type of eye allergy.
They can last 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the pollen that caused it.
These allergens come in contact with antibodies attached to the cells in your eyes, releasing the chemicals that cause leakage in blood vessels in your eyes.
The leakage results in itchy, red, and watery eyes.
Here are some more signs of eye allergies in toddlers:
- Mild swelling of the eyes
- Sticky, mucus discharge
- Fever
Kids with seasonal eye allergies may have a runny nose, sneezing, puffy eyes, or sensitivity to light.
Indoor pollens
Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold, or pet dander, also cause allergic reactions.
These are called Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC); as the name suggests, they can come year-round.
PAC has the same symptoms as SAC, only milder.
Red eye and discharge are the common signs of allergic Conjunctivitis, usually caused by irritants and pinkeye (caused by a virus).
Thus it is best to take your child to the pediatrician to make a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of the allergy.
Rubbing eyes
Kids are more likely to rub their eyes when uncomfortable than adults.
This spreads the allergens to the eyes and exacerbates allergy symptoms.
The skin around our eyes is the most sensitive skin on the body. Thus rubbing your eyes can cause redness around your toddler’s eyes.
Sometimes rubbing may not be a concern, but what’s making your baby rub eyes can be more serious.
Neonatal (Newborn) Conjunctivitis
Neonatal Conjunctivitis (NC) is the conjunctival inflammation that can occur in newborn babies within the first 30 days after birth.
It can be a chemical, viral, or bacterial infection.
Chemical
The chemical inflammation is generally due to post-delivery use of Ophthalmic Silver Nitrate.
Silver Nitrate is used to prevent Ocular Gonococcal infections in babies.
It was the most common cause of Neonatal Conjunctivitis.
However, the occurrence of chemical Conjunctivitis in the United States has decreased significantly after the replacement of Silver Nitrate with Erythromycin Ointment.
It generally results in mild conjunctival infection and tearing but is resolved within 2-4 days.
Bacterial and viral
The most common bacterial infection is caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis.
There is around a 30-40% chance of infants developing it whose mothers have untreated Chlamydial infections.
The condition is typically treated with Erythromycin drops with Erythromycin Elixir 50mg/day for 2 to 3 weeks.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is the cause of viral infection in babies.
The action includes Acyclovir plus Vidarabine ointment for 14-21 days.
First steps of diagnosis
Children may be unable to tell you about their allergic symptoms, but you can observe them from their behavior.
They may have problems with eating or sleeping due to allergies.
Your baby might be fussy and uncomfortable due to itchy, red, watery, or painful eyes.
Swelling of the eyelids or discharge may indicate that your baby has some allergy.
You can also look for allergic symptoms in your children, such as seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) in spring or fall.
Treatments
Children with eye allergies are treated with OTC and prescription eyedrops or medications.
Medications like Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (Cetirizine) are taken daily to contain eye allergy symptoms.
If your child has an eye allergy, then you can try some of the following:
- Washing your child’s eyes with a cool washcloth and cleaning the eyes
- You can use a cool washcloth as a cold compress if your child prefers it
- Other short-acting allergy medications, such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
- If your child is above 3, then you can use antihistamine eye drops like Ketotifen (Zasitor) once a day
Also Read: Learn about some more remedies that might help fasten the allergy healing process. Read our article Natural Remedies for Eye Allergies: Relief without Medication.”
Precautions
The best course of action to control eye allergies in kids is prevention.
To prevent eye allergies, you can make some changes to your routine.
- During allergy season, encourage kids to wear hats and sunglasses
- Vacuum the house often
- Keep windows closed during the pollen season
- Washing your child’s hands frequently
- Teaching them not to touch their eyes
- Limit exposure to mite dust by using mite-proof bed covers
- Pollen counts are higher in the midmorning and early evening, thus avoid outings at that time
- Clean humid places in the house regularly to cut down on mold
Additionally, Artificial tears can wash off allergens from the eye and moisten the eyes. You can use them as often as required.
“It’s clear that the over-the-counter treatments have helped. It’s very clear that they can help. However, for long-term care, you really need to prevent.”
Allergist Leonard Bielory, MD
Takeaway
Eye allergies are common in children.
Exposure to allergens can cause itchy, watery, or red eyes, but they usually go away.
However, change your daily routine to limit environmental or indoor allergens exposure.
Be sure to see your child’s pediatrician if the symptoms disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of eye allergies in babies?
If your baby has any eye allergies, they might have redness around their eyes, itchiness, burning, or watery eyes. Depending on the type of allergy, your child may get hay fever, discharge, or runny nose.
What are the most common triggers for eye allergies in babies?
Dust, pet danders, or mold is babies’ most common triggers for eye allergies. Also, environmental pollens from trees and grass cause seasonal eye allergies. Your baby might make the symptoms worse by rubbing their eyes.
How are eye allergies in babies treated?
There are topical medications, such as prescription eye drops and oral medications, to treat eye allergies in kids. Antihistamines reduce itchiness, redness, and swelling associated with allergic reactions. For more severe and chronic conditions, Corticosteroid eyedrops are helpful.
Should I see a doctor if my baby has eye allergies?
Most eye allergies from pollens do not need medical attention as the symptoms disappear in several days. But if your kid still has symptoms, it may be something serious like an infection. In such cases, it becomes essential to take proper medical treatment.
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