Definition
An allergic reaction of the eyes, usually from pollen
The eyes are itchy and watery
Symptoms of Eye Allergies
Itchy eyes (sometimes feels like burning or stinging)
Increased tearing (watery eyes)
Red or pink eyes
Mild swelling of the eyelids
No discharge or a sticky, stringy, mucus discharge
No pain or fever
Triggers of Eye Allergies
Cause. An allergic reaction of the eyes to allergic substance. The medical name for this is allergic conjunctivitis. The allergic substance is called an allergen. Most allergens float in the air. That's how they get in the eyes. Here are the common ones:
Pollens. Trees, grass, weeds and molds are the most common pollens. Tree pollens come in the spring. Grass pollens come in the summer. Weed pollens come in the fall. Pollens cause seasonal allergies. You can't avoid pollens because they are in the air. Most eye allergies continue through the pollen season. They can last 4 to 8 weeks. Pollens cause seasonal eye allergies.
Pets. Allergens can also be from cats, dogs, horses, rabbits and other animals. Pet allergens are in the air. They can also get in the eyes from the hands. Most people don't keep a pet that they are allergic to. They only have sporadic allergy symptoms when they are exposed to a pet. These symptoms usually last a few hours. If you own the pet, your child will have symptoms all the time.
House Dust. House dust contains many allergens. It always contains dust mites. If your humidity is high, it will contain mold. If someone with a cat visits you, they will bring cat dander with them. House dust causes year round, daily symptoms. The medical name for this is perennial eye allergies.
When To Call
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
You think your child needs to be seen
Sacs of clear fluid (blisters) on whites of eyes
Eyelids are swollen shut (or almost shut)
Discharge on eyelids that does not go away with allergy medicines
Call Doctor During Office Hours
Eyes are very itchy after taking allergy medicines for more than 2 days
Diagnosis of eye allergy never made by a doctor
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
Mild eye allergy
Care Advice
What You Should Know About Eye Allergies:
An eye allergy most often is caused by pollen that gets in the eye.
The eyes can itch, burn or sting.
All of these symptoms can go away with allergy eye drops.
Eye allergies are common. They occur in 10% of children.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Wash Allergens Off the Face:
Use a wet washcloth to clean off the eyelids and face.
Rinse the eyes with a small amount of warm water. Tears will do the rest.
Then put a cold wet washcloth on the itchy eye.
Prevention: Wash the hair every night because it collects lots of pollen.
Oral Allergy Medicines:
If the nose is also itchy and runny, your child probably has hay fever. Hay fever is allergic symptoms of both the nose and eyes.
Give your child an allergy medicine by mouth. This should get rid of the nose and the eye symptoms. Most often, eye drops will not be needed.
A short-acting allergy medicine (such as Benadryl) may be helpful. No prescription is needed. They need to be given every 6 to 8 hours. The bedtime dosage is especially helpful for healing the lining of the nose.
Long-acting allergy medicines (such as Zyrtec) can also be used. Again, no prescription is needed. This kind of medicine has 2 advantages over Benadryl. They cause less sedation and last up to 24 hours.
Give allergy medicine every day. Do this until pollen season is over (about 2 months for each pollen).
Antihistamine Eye Drops (Ketotifen) for Pollen Allergies - 1st Choice:
Usually, an oral allergy medicine will control the allergic symptoms of the eye.
If the eyes remain itchy and poorly controlled, buy some Ketotifen antihistamine eye drops. Ask your pharmacist to suggest a brand (such as Zaditor). No prescription is needed.
Age: Approved for 3 years and older.
Dose: 1 drop every 12 hours in both eyes.
For severe allergies, the use of ketotifen eye drops every day will help the most. Use these eye drops until pollen season is over.
Older Antihistamine/Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops - 2nd Choice:
Often, the eyes will feel much better after the allergic substance is washed out. Also, putting a cold wet washcloth on them usually makes the eyes feel better.
If not, this type of eye drop can be used for added relief. Ask your pharmacist to suggest a brand (such as Visine-A). The A stands for antihistamine. No prescription is needed.
Avoid vasoconstrictor eyedrops without an allergy medicine in them. These are eye drops without an A in the name, such as plain Visine. Reason: They only treat the redness, not the cause.
Dose: 1 drop every 8 hours as needed.
Do not use for over 5 days. (Reason: Will cause red eyes from rebound effect)
Downside: Doesn't work as well as Ketotifen eye drops.
Eye Drops: How to Use
For a cooperative child, gently pull down on the lower lid. Put 1 drop inside the lower lid. Then ask your child to close the eye for 2 minutes. Reason: So the medicine will get into the tissues.
For a child who won't open his eye, have him lie down. Put 1 drop over the inner corner of the eye. If your child opens the eye or blinks, the eye drop will flow in. If he doesn't open the eye, the drop will slowly seep into the eye.
Contact Lenses:
Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses for a while.
This will help the eye heal faster.
What to Expect:
If you know the cause of the allergy symptoms, try to avoid it. This is the case with animal allergies. The symptoms will not come back if there is no contact.
But, you can't avoid pollens because they are in the air. Most eye allergies continue through the pollen season. They can last 4 to 8 weeks.
Call Your Doctor If:
Itchy eyes aren't better in 2 days with allergy treatment
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
A foreign object becomes stuck in the eye
Also included are small particles such as dirt
The main symptoms are irritation, pain, tears, and blinking
Types of Foreign Objects in the Eye
Blowing Dust. Small particles such as sand, dirt, sawdust, or other grit. Can be blown into the eye on a windy day.
Eyelash. An eyelash is a common finding.
Dry Mucus. A loose piece of dried mucus (sleep) can feel like something is in the eye.
Sharp Object (Serious). A piece of glass from a shattered glass ornament is an example.
High Speed Objects (Serious) such as a metal chip from a hammer or lawnmower. A plastic fragment or small rock thrown from a weed-wacker are other examples.
When To Call
Go to ER Now
Sharp object in the eye
Object is a piece of chemical
Object hit eye at high speed. Examples are a metal chip from hammering, lawnmower, or explosion.
Object is stuck on the eyeball. Caution: do not try to remove it.
Tearing or blinking do not stop after washing the eye
You can't get the object out
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
You think your child has a serious injury
Child feels like object still there after eye has been washed out
Vision not back to normal after eye has been washed out
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Yellow or green pus occurs
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
Minor object or small particles in the eye (such as an eyelash or dirt). Reason: most likely can be removed at home.
Care Advice
What You Should Know About An Object or Small Particles in the Eye:
The object (or particles) will always stay in the front part of the eye.
Some parents worry that it can get lost behind the eyeball.
This will not happen. The space beyond the eyelids goes back ¼ inch (6 mm) and then stops. In other words, it's a dead end.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Lots of Particles (such as Dirt or Sand) - Treatment:
Clean around the eye and face with a wet washcloth first. Reason: So more particles won't get in.
Put that side of the face in a pan of warm water. Have your child try to open and close the eye while in the water. Do it several times.
For younger children, fill a glass or pitcher with warm tap water. Pour the water into the eye while holding your child face up. The eyelids must be held open during the rinsing. This process often needs the help of another person.
Particle in a Corner of the Eye - Treatment:
Try to get it out.
Use a moistened cotton swab or the corner of a moistened cloth.
Particle Under the Lower Lid - Treatment:
Pull the lower lid out by pulling down on the skin above the cheekbone.
Touch the particle with a moistened cotton swab.
If that doesn't work, try pouring water on the particle. Do this while holding the lid out.
Particle Under the Upper Lid - Treatment:
If the particle can't be seen, it's probably under the upper lid. This is the most common hiding place.
Try having your child open and close the eye several times while it is submerged in a pan or bowl of water. If you have an eye cup, use it.
If this fails, pull the upper lid out. Then, draw it over the lower lid while the eye is closed. When the eye is opened, the particle may come out. The lower lid may sweep the particle out from under the upper lid.
Contact Lenses:
Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses for a while.
Reason: To prevent damage to the cornea.
What to Expect:
The pain, redness and tearing usually pass after the object is removed.
It may take 1 to 2 hours for these symptoms to fully go away.
Call Your Doctor If:
You can't get the object or particles out
Feels like object is still there 2 hours after taken out
Tearing and blinking do not stop after you take out the object
Vision is not normal after the eye has been washed out
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
Yellow or green discharge (pus) in the eye
The eyelids are stuck (matted) together with pus after sleep
After being wiped away, the pus comes back during the day
Often caused by a bacterial eye infection
Causes of Eye with Pus
Bacterial Conjunctivitis. This is a bacterial infection of the eye. The main symptom is eyelids stuck together with pus after sleep. Can be present in 1 or both eyes. A few viruses can cause pus in the eyes, but most don't.
Viral Conjunctivitis. This is a viral infection of the eyes. Main symptom is pinkness of the white parts of the eyes. The eyes are also watery. Most often, there is no pus. Usually on both sides.
Normal Discharge. A small amount of dried mucus only in the corner of the eye. It may not even be pus. A collection of mucus can be cream colored. Often due to an irritant that got in the eye from dirty hands. Needs no treatment except wiping it away with warm water.
Blocked Tear Duct. Present in 10% of newborns. Main symptom is a constant watery eye. Tears fill the eye and run down the face. This happens even when not crying. The eye is not red and the eyelid is not swollen. The wet eye may get secondary infections. This will cause the eyelids to become matted with pus.
Foreign Object in Eye (Serious). Small particles such as sand, dirt or sawdust can be blown into the eyes. The grit often gets stuck under the upper eyelid. If not removed, the eye reacts by producing pus. The main clue is an eye infection that does not respond to antibiotic eyedrops. Older children complain of feeling something in the eye.
Eyelid Cellulitis (Serious). This is a deep infection of the eyelid and tissues around it. The main symptom is a red, swollen, very tender eyelid. The eye can be swollen shut. Usually only on one side. This can be a problem caused by bacterial conjunctivitis. The eye infection spreads inward. More commonly this is caused by an ethmoid sinus infection. That type occurs without any pus in the eye.
Symptoms of Bacterial Eye Infection
Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye
Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes
The eyelashes are more likely to be stuck together after sleep
The whites of the eye may or may not be red or pink
The eyelids are often puffy
When To Call
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
Eyelid is very red or very swollen
Vision is blurred
Eye pain or discomfort is more than mild
Fever over 104° F (40° C)
Age less than 12 weeks old with fever. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Pus in the eye, but none of the symptoms above. Reason: you may need antibiotic eyedrops to treat it.
Using antibiotic eye drops more than 3 days and pus is still there
Care Advice
What You Should Know About Bacterial Eye Infections:
Bacterial eye infections are common with colds.
They respond to home treatment with antibiotic eye drops which need a prescription.
They are not harmful to vision.
Until you get some antibiotic eye drops, here is some advice that should help.
Remove Pus:
Remove all the dried and liquid pus from the eyelids. Use warm water and wet cotton balls to do this.
Do this whenever pus is seen on the eyelids.
Also, remove the pus before the antibiotic eye drops are put in. Reason: They will not work if you don't.
The pus can spread infection to others. So, dispose of it carefully.
Wash your hands well after any contact with the pus.
Antibiotic Eye Drops: How to Use
For a cooperative child, gently pull down on the lower lid. Put 1 drop inside the lower lid. Then ask your child to close the eye for 2 minutes. Reason: So the medicine will get into the tissues.
For a child who won't open his eye, have him lie down. Put 1 drop over the inner corner of the eye. If your child opens the eye or blinks, the eye drop will flow in. If he doesn't open the eye, the drop will slowly seep into the eye.
Contact Lenses:
Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses until the infection is gone.
Reason: To prevent damage to the cornea.
Disinfect the contacts before wearing them again.
Discard them if they are disposable.
Return to School:
Your child can return to school when the pus is a small amount.
Antibiotic eye drops should be used for 24 hours before going back.
The antibiotic eye drops can be used for other family members. Use only if they develop the same symptoms.
What to Expect:
With treatment, the yellow discharge should clear up in 3 days.
The red eyes may last up to a week.
Call Your Doctor If:
Eyelid gets red or swollen
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
Red or pink color of the white of the eye without any pus
The eye looks irritated
May have increased tears (a watery eye)
Eyelid may be puffy (mildly swollen)
No pus or yellow discharge
Not caused by an eye injury
Causes of Pinkeye (Red Eye)
Pinkeye Defined. When the white of the eye becomes pink or red, it's called pinkeye. Conjunctivitis is the medical name for pinkeye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the white of the eye. It becomes pink or red when it is infected or irritated. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) has many causes.
Viral Conjunctivitis is the main cause of pink or red eyes without pus. Most often, it is part of a cold.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Pinkeye plus the eyelids are stuck together with pus. Most likely, this is a secondary infection of a viral conjunctivitis.
Allergic Conjunctivitis from pollens. Most children with eye allergies also have nasal allergies (hay fever). Symptoms include sneezing and clear nasal discharge.
Irritant Conjunctivitis from sunscreen, soap, chlorine in pool water, smoke, or smog. Irritants can also be transferred by touching the eye with dirty fingers. Irritants can be food or plant resins.
Contact Lens Conjunctivitis is caused by poor use of disinfectant solution or lenses kept in overnight.
Rebound Conjunctivitis from Vasoconstrictor Eye Drop Abuse. Usually occurs in teens who use daily OTC eye drops to remove mild redness. After the medicine wears off, the blood vessels become larger than they were to begin with. Similar to the rebound nasal congestion seen in chronic nose drop abuse.
Foreign Object. If only one side has pinkeye, an object in the eye must be considered.
Palpebral Cellulitis (Serious). A bacterial infection of the eyelids and skin around them. Causes the lids to be very red and swollen.
When To Call
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
Eyelid is very red or very swollen
Nonstop tears or blinking
Vision is blurred
Eye pain or discomfort is more than mild
Turns away from any light
Age less than 12 weeks old with fever. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Only 1 eye is red and lasts more than 24 hours
Fever lasts more than 3 days
Fever returns after being gone more than 24 hours
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
Age less than 1 month old
Redness lasts more than 7 days
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
Red eye is part of a cold
Red eye is caused by mild irritant (such as soap, sunscreen, food, smoke, chlorine)
Care Advice
Treatment for Viral Eye Infections
What You Should Know About Viral Eye Infections:
Some viruses cause watery eyes (viral conjunctivitis).
It may be the first symptom of a cold.
It isn't serious. You can treat this at home.
Colds can cause a small amount of mucus in the corner of the eye.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Eyelid Rinse:
Cleanse eyelids with warm water and a clean cotton ball.
Try to do this 3 times a day.
This usually will keep a bacterial infection from occurring.
Artificial Tears:
Artificial tears often make red eyes feel better. No prescription is needed. They can be used at any age.
Use 1 drop per eye 3 times a day as needed. Use them after cleansing the eyelids.
Antibiotic and vasoconstrictor eye drops do not help viral eye infections.
Eye Drops: How to Use
For a cooperative child, gently pull down on the lower lid. Put 1 drop inside the lower lid. Then ask your child to close the eye for 2 minutes. Reason: So the medicine will get into the tissues.
For a child who won't open his eye, have him lie down. Put 1 drop over the inner corner of the eye. If your child opens the eye or blinks, the eye drop will flow in. If he doesn't open the eye, the drop will slowly seep into the eye.
Contact Lenses:
Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses until the infection is gone.
Reason: To prevent damage to the cornea.
Return To School:
Pinkeye with watery discharge is harmless. There is a slight risk it could be passed to others.
Children with pink eyes from a cold do not need to miss any school.
Pinkeye is not a public health risk. Keeping these children home is over-reacting. If asked, tell the school your child is on eye drops (artificial tears).
What to Expect:
Pinkeye with a cold usually lasts about 7 days.
Sometimes, it turns into a bacterial eye infection. You can tell because the eyelids will become stuck together with pus.
Pinkeye from an irritant usually goes away within 2 hours after it's removed.
Call Your Doctor If:
Your child gets pus in the eye
Redness lasts more than 1 week
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
Treatment for Mild Eye Irritants
What You Should Know About Pinkeye from Irritants:
Most eye irritants cause redness of the eyes.
It that will go away on its own.
You can treat that at home.
Face Wash:
Wash the face with mild soap and water.
This will remove any irritants still on the face.
Eyelid Rinse:
Rinse the eyelids with warm water for 5 minutes.
Eye Drops:
Red eyes from irritants usually feel much better after being washed out.
At any age, if eyes remain bloodshot, you can use some artificial tears.
Dose: 1 drop, 3 times per day, as needed.
If more than 6 years old, switch to a vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as Visine). No prescription is needed.
Dose: Use 1 drop. May repeat once in 8 to 12 hours. Never use for more than 3 days.
What to Expect:
After the irritant is removed, the eyes usually return to normal color.
This may take 1 to 2 hours.
Prevention:
Try to avoid future contact with the irritant.
Call Your Doctor If:
Pus in the eye occurs
Redness lasts more than 7 days
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
Injuries to the eye, eyelid, and area around the eye
Types of Eye Injuries
Cut or Scratch of Eyelid. Small cuts heal on their own. Deep cuts or ones that go through the edge of the eyelid need sutures.
Bruise of the Eyelids. Also called a "black eye". The swelling and bruise get worse for a few days. Then it will go away on its own over 2 -3 weeks. It's normal for the bruise to change colors as it heals.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage. This is a flame-shaped bruise of the white part (sclera) of the eyeball. It's bright red. It's caused by a scratch to the sclera. It's a mild injury that will go away on its own over 2 weeks.
Corneal Abrasion. A scratch of the clear part (cornea) of the eye. The cornea is the window in front of the iris. The main symptoms are severe eye pain, tearing and constant blinking. Some children will just hold their eye closed. Caused by a scratch from a branch of a tree or bush. Can also be caused by a foreign object stuck under the upper eyelid. Most are minor and heal in 2 days. This is the most common eye injury that needs to see a doctor.
Acute Hyphema (Serious). It means bleeding in the space between the cornea and the iris. The blood often layers out at the bottom of the cornea. It's caused by blunt trauma.
Punctured Eyeball (Serious). It means a sharp object has completely torn the cornea or sclera. Can happen with tiny objects thrown by a lawnmower.
Vision
The main concern is whether the vision is damaged.
Older children can tell us if their vision is blurred or out of focus. You can test this at home. Cover each eye in turn and having them look at a distant object.
Children less than 5 years old usually need to be examined. This is also true even if the injury seems minor. Having an exam is the only way to know the child's vision is okay.
When To Call
Go to ER Now
Vision is blurred or lost in either eye
Seeing double or can't look up
Bloody or cloudy fluid behind the clear part of the eye (cornea)
Object hit the eye at high speed (such as from a lawn mower)
Nonstop tears or blinking
Child keeps the eye covered or will not open it
Severe eye pain
Large deep cut that will need many stitches
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
Pupils not equal in size
Sharp object hit the eye (such as a metal chip or flying glass)
Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
Any cut on the eyelid or eyeball
Age less than 1 year old
You think your child has a serious injury
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Bruises near the eye
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
Dirty cut and no tetanus shot in more than 5 years
Clean cut and no tetanus shot in more than 10 years
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
Minor eye injury
Care Advice
Small Cuts, Scratches or Scrapes Treatment:
For any bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use a gauze pad or clean cloth. Press for 10 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped.
Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Protect the eye with a clean cloth.
For cuts or scrapes, use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Put it on the cut 3 times a day. Do this for 3 days.
Cover large scrapes with a bandage (such as Band-Aid). Change daily.
Swelling or Bruises with Intact Skin (including a Black Eye) Treatment:
Put a cold pack or ice wrapped in a wet cloth on the eye. Do this for 20 minutes. This will help stop the bleeding and swelling. Repeat as needed.
A black eye usually takes 1 to 2 days to occur.
A flame-shaped bruise of the white of the eyeball is also common.
After 48 hours, use a warm wet cloth for 10 minutes. Do this 3 times per day. Reason: To help reabsorb the blood.
Pain Medicine:
To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
Use as needed.
What to Expect:
Minor cuts and scratches, as well as bruises, are harmless.
They last about 2 weeks.
They do not need any medicine to help them go away.
Call Your Doctor If:
Pain becomes severe
Changes in vision
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
Swelling of eyelids or area around the eye
No redness of white part of the eye (sclera)
No yellow or green discharge (pus)
Swelling is not caused by an eye injury. If so, see that guide.
Eye Swelling Scale
Mild: eyelid is puffy, but can open eyes like normal
Moderate: more than puffy, but eyes still open some
Severe: eyelids swollen shut or almost shut
Causes of Eye Swelling on One Side
Rubbing the Eye. Rubbing from any cause will make the eyelids puffy. Often, it starts from getting an irritant in the eye. Young children often touch their eyes with dirty hands. They also may get food in the eye.
Insect Bite near the eye. A reaction to the insect's spit causes swelling. The loose eye tissues swell easily. The most common bite is from a mosquito.
Contact Dermatitis near the eye. An example is poison ivy.
Injury near the eye. Can cause a bruise and swelling.
Sty. A minor infection of an eyelash.
Dacryocystitis. An infection of the tear sac in the corner of the eye.
Ethmoid Sinus Infection (serious). This causes swelling and redness of the eyelid. The ethmoid sinus is behind the eye.
Periorbital Cellulitis (serious). A bacterial infection of the eyelid. Caused by spread from nearby infected wound or insect bite. The eyelid is very red and usually painful to touch.
Causes of Eye Swelling on Both Sides
Allergic Conjunctivitis. Itchy pink eyes from pollen or pet dander.
Viral Conjunctivitis. The main symptom is red eyes with a cold.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis. The main symptom is yellow pus in the eye or eyes. Eyelids may be matted shut.
Edema (serious). Edema is retained fluid within body tissues. Edema fluid first appears as swelling of the feet due to gravity. Edema fluid also occurs around both eyes after lying down. It's caused by kidney, heart or liver failure.
Anaphylaxis (very serious). A severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Triggered by foods, drugs and bee stings. Serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing occur. Hives are almost always present.
Swelling of Eye: Clues to the Cause
Swelling of 1 eye is often due to an insect bite. Mosquito bites are a common cause. It can also be from an irritant (e.g. food) transferred to the eye by the hands.
Suspect mosquito bites if there are bites on other parts of the body. Insect bites of the upper face can cause the eyelid to swell. This can last for a few days. With insect bites, the swelling can be pink as well as large. Large swelling is common for ages 1-5 years.
Swelling of both eyes is usually due to pollen that's airborne. This includes tree, grass or weed pollen. These pollens float in the air and can travel hundreds of miles. Itching also makes the swelling worse.
Swelling of the face is usually due to allergic reactions to swallowed substances. Examples are foods or medicines. May be part of a severe allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions to antibiotic eyedrops can cause severe swelling of both eyes.
Swollen eyelids from insect bites, pollens or other allergies are itchy.
Swollen eyelids from eyelid infections are painful and tender to the touch.
When To Call
Call 911 Now
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
Severe swelling (shut or almost) of both eyes
Severe swelling (shut or almost) of one eye with fever
Eyelid (outer) is very red and swollen with fever
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Fever
Severe swelling (shut or almost) of one eye without fever
Eyelid (outer) is very red and swollen without fever
Eyelid is painful or very tender
Swollen ankles or feet
Sinus pain or pressure
Moderate swelling with the eye open some. Exception: due to a mosquito bite.
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
Mild swelling (puffy eye or eyes) lasts more than 3 days
Eyelid swelling is a chronic problem and not explained
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
Eyelid swelling from suspected bug bite
Eyelid swelling without a cause
Care Advice
Treatment for Eyelid Swelling from Suspected Bug Bite
What You Should Know About Eye Swelling from Bug Bites:
Mosquito bites are very common.
Bites to the face can cause severe swelling around the eye. Reason: The tissues around the eye are loose.
Size is larger in young children.
The swelling is harmless.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Cold Pack for Swelling:
Apply ice wrapped in a wet washcloth to the eye for 20 minutes.
Allergy Medicine for Swelling and Itching:
Give an allergy medicine by mouth. This will help to lessen the swelling and itching.
Benadryl every 6 hours is best. Teen dose is 50 mg.
Give it 2 or 3 times.
If you only have another allergy med at home (but not Benadryl), use that. Follow the package directions.
Eye Drops:
The eyelid swelling often will improve after a cold pack or Benadryl is given.
Age 6 years and older. For eyelid swelling that interferes with vision after cold pack, use some eye drops. Use a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as Visine). No prescription is needed.
Dose: 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as needed for 1 or 2 days.
Do not use for over 5 days. Reason: Will cause red eyes from rebound effect.
What to Expect:
Itching may last for 2 days.
Pinkness or redness lasts about 3 days.
The eye may be puffy for up to 7 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
Swelling lasts over 7 days
Redness lasts over 3 days
Becomes painful to touch
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
Treatment for Eyelid Swelling Without a Cause
What You Should Know about Eyelid Swelling Without a Cause:
Most eye swelling without a cause is from rubbing the eyes.
The eye tissues are loose and easily swell.
The rubbing is often from getting an irritant in the eye. It's often seen in young children who touch their eyes with dirty hands. While eating, some children even get food in their eyes.
This type of swelling to an irritant can be treated at home.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Cold Pack for Swelling:
Apply ice wrapped in a wet washcloth to the eye for 20 minutes.
Allergy Medicine for Swelling and Itching:
Give an allergy medicine by mouth. This will help to lessen the swelling and itching.
Benadryl every 6 hours is best. Teen dose is 50 mg.
Give it 2 or 3 times.
If you only have another allergy med at home (but not Benadryl), use that. Follow the package directions.
Eye Drops:
The eyelid swelling often will improve after a cold pack or Benadryl is given.
Age 6 years and older. For eyelid swelling that interferes with vision after cold pack, use some eye drops. Use a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as Visine). No prescription is needed.
Dose: 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as needed for 1 or 2 days.
Do not use for over 5 days. Reason: Will cause red eyes from rebound effect.
What to Expect:
The itching should stop after the irritant is washed out of the eye. This may take up to a few hours.
The swelling will clear 24 hours after the child stops rubbing the eye.
Call Your Doctor If:
Swelling lasts over 3 days
Eyelid becomes red and painful to the touch
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
A red lump or pimple on the edge of an eyelid
It starts at the bottom of an eyelash
Symptoms of a Sty
A tender, red lump on the eyelid at the base of an eyelash
Turns into a small pimple on the eyelid
A sty is tender to touch
A sty causes mild swelling of the eyelid
A sty can cause a watery eye
Causes
A bacterial infection of the hair follicle of an eyelash.
The most common germ that causes this is Staph.
Risk factors. Rubbing the eyes (especially after picking the nose.) The nose is the most frequent home of Staph. Also, more common when using eye makeup.
When To Call
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
Eyelid is very red or very swollen
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Sty gets larger than ¼ inch (6 mm)
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
2 or more styes are present now
Styes have occurred in the past 3 or more times
Sty has come to a head (pimple), but has not drained after 3 days
Sty lasts for more than 10 days
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
One sty
Care Advice
What You Should Know About a Sty:
A sty is a minor infection of an eyelash.
A sty usually comes to a head and forms a pimple in 3 to 5 days.
Most often, it drains and heals in a few more days.
Most styes can be treated at home.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Apply Heat to Bring to a Head:
Put a warm, wet washcloth to the eye. Do this for 10 minutes 3 times a day. Reason: This helps the sty come to a head.
Continue the warm wet cloth even after the sty begins to drain. Reason: To help remove the discharge and heal the sty.
Caution: Do not rub the eye. Reason: Rubbing can cause more styes.
Open the Pimple:
Age limit: Your child is over 5 years old and cooperative.
When the center of the sty becomes yellow, you can open it. Do this by using tweezers. Pull out the eyelash that goes through the pimple. This will start drainage and healing.
Another option is to wait for drainage to start on its own. Most often, this occurs in another 1-2 days.
Caution: Do not squeeze the red lump. Reason: This can cause an eyelid infection.
Antibiotic Eye Medicine:
Most single styes respond to the treatment with heat. They don't need prescription antibiotic eyedrops.
If there is more than one sty, your child may need antibiotic eyedrops. Also, antibiotics may be needed if styes keep coming back. This usually happens to children who rub their eyes often.
Contact Lenses:
Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses until the sty heals.
Reason: To prevent damage to the cornea.
Disinfect the contacts before wearing them again.
Discard them if they are disposable.
What to Expect:
A sty usually comes to a head and forms a pimple in 3 to 5 days.
Most often, it drains and heals in a few more days.
Return To School:
Children with a sty usually do not need to miss any school.
Call Your Doctor If:
Eyelid gets red or swollen
Sty comes to a head, but does not drain by 3 days
More styes occur
Sty is not gone by 10 days
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Definition
Blocked tube that normally carries tears from the eye to the nose
It's blocked in 10% of newborns
Use this guide only if a doctor has told you it's a blocked tear duct
Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct
A constant watery eye
Tears fill the eye and run down the face. This happens even when not crying.
The eye is not red and the eyelid is not swollen.
Both sides are blocked in 30% of these children.
Cause of a Blocked Tear Duct
Caused by blockage of the lacrimal duct. This duct carries tears from the corner of the eye to the nose.
A watery eye may not be noticed until 1 or 2 months old. Reason: that's when the eye starts making more tears.
When To Call
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
Eyelid is very red or very swollen
Clear part in the middle of the eye (cornea) is cloudy
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
Red lump at inner corner of eyelid
Eyelid is red or swollen
Pus in the eye
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
Diagnosis has never been made by a doctor
Age more than 12 months old
You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
Blocked tear duct
Care Advice
What You Should Know About Blocked Tear Ducts:
A blocked tear duct is common. It happens in 10% of newborns.
Both sides are blocked 30% of the time.
A blocked tear duct does not need treatment unless it becomes infected.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Antibiotic Eyedrops for Pus in the Eye:
Pus in the eye or eyelids stuck together means the eye is infected.
This is common with blocked tear ducts. It should clear up in a few days with antibiotic eyedrops.
For pus in the eye, call your child's doctor for a prescription.
In the meantime, here is some advice that should help.
Remove Pus:
Remove the dried and liquid pus from the eyelids with warm water and wet cotton balls.
Do this each time you see pus.
Also, clean the eyes before you use the prescription eyedrops. The eyedrops will not work unless the pus is removed first.
Massage of Lacrimal Sac - Do it Carefully:
Some doctors suggest massage of the lacrimal sac (where tears collect). Other doctors do not. Massage is not required. The tear duct will open without any massage. If massage is advised, do it this way:
The lacrimal sac is in the inner corner of the lower eyelid. This sac can be massaged to empty it of old fluids.
A cotton swab works much better than a finger. Reason: The swab is smaller.
Start at the inner corner of the eye and press upward. Be very gentle. Do this twice a day.
Fluid and mucus should come out of the lacrimal sac.
What to Expect:
Over 90% of tear ducts open up on their own.
This should happen by the time the child is 12 months of age.
If your child is over 12 months old, talk to your child's doctor. Your child may need to see an eye doctor.
Call Your Doctor If:
Eye looks infected
Eyelid becomes red or swollen
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.