Medical Advice >> Pediatric Advisor
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What are eye allergies?

Eye allergies are an allergic reaction to some substance on the eye. Eye allergies can cause your child's eyes to:

• Itch (no pain).
• Tear more.
• Turn red or pink (no pus).
• Swell (the eyelids).

Eye allergies that happen around the same time every year are caused by pollens from plants in the air. Allergies caused by pollen last about 4 to 6 weeks. Other kinds of allergies can be caused by pets (like cats), feathers, perfumes, or eye makeup.

How can I take care of my child?

Here are some things you can do to help:

• Wash your child's face. Use a clean washcloth and cool water. This will clean any pollen off the eyelids.
• Tell your child not to touch his eyes.
• Use eyedrops prescribed by your doctor, if needed. Your child's eyedrops are _____________________. Use 1 drop every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
• If your child has hay fever, he also needs an oral antihistamine. Your doctor can prescribe this. Your child's medicine is ___________________. Give _____, ____ times a day until the pollen season is over.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• Using a washcloth and an antihistamine do not make your child better in 2 or 3 days.
• You have other concerns or questions.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.