Dry eye symptoms are often overlooked in children, but if discovered early, these symptoms can be treated. Take note of when your child complains about itchy eyes. If persistent itching occurs, take it seriously and seek professional medical advice. Your child’s doctor will ask whether your child sleeps with their eyes open or has any other medical condition. Dry eye symptoms in children can come in the form of light sensitivity, eye redness, burning of the eye or blurred vision. These terms may not be easily understood by children, so try using some different phrases such as, “Does it feel like something is biting your eye?”
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Symptoms include light sensitivity, dry itchy eyes and a runny nose. Usually both eyes are affected and this is not contagious and not to be confused with viral conjunctivitis.
Seasonal Causes
Some children suffer from itchy eyes during the Spring; some children have dry eye symptoms whilst on vacation and others will develop dry eye symptoms whilst being kept in the warmth indoors during the winter months. Try to keep a diary of what locations your child seems more prone to itchy gritty eyes. This observation will help determine what procedure is best for your child.
Medications
If your child is undergoing any form of medical treatment or is on any medication or vitamin supplement, discuss this with your doctor, as sometimes these can cause dry eyes in children. The doctor will also want to know the family’s medical history.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies can play a big role in developing dry eyes in children. During their growth, children should be supplied with nutritional meals containing vitamins for bone, brain and eye development. Contact your local health nurse for a list of nutritional foods for your growing child.
UV protection
Protection from the sun does not just mean putting on some sunblock. This will definitely help protect your child from sunburn and damage to the skin from ultraviolet radiation, but damage from the sun can also pass through the cornea of the eye, reaching to the retina inside. The eyes can actually suffer sunburn which, in extreme cases, can lead to loss of vision for a few days and result in painful dry eyes. Therefore, when playing outside or involved in school sports, make sure you provide your child with sunglasses that will help prevent UV damage to the delicate eye.
Paediatric dry eye can also be caused by a number of factors, such as inflammation and immune disorders. If you see your child rubbing their eyes constantly and complaining of soreness and pain in the eyes, it is always better to seek professional advice. Information and helpful tips can be gained by looking at Dryeye.com.au Dry eyes can also be caused by spending too much time on video games and in front of computer screens. So if your child portrays symptoms of blinking too much, of feeling something foreign in their eyes or even rubbing their eyes constantly, it may be time to investigate the underlying cause.
*This is a guest post
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