Dry eyes can be aggravating. The dryness makes children’s eyes feel stretched out. Indeed, dry eye syndrome frequently causes a gritty, sandy sensation in the morning that worsens throughout the day. It may cause your child’s vision to become blurry. However, dry eyes rarely cause long-term vision problems.
Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. Typically, dry weather, smoke, or pollution can irritate the eyes. Allergies or contact lenses can also irritate the eyes at times. You can cooperate with your ophthalmologist to find ways to improve your child’s vision. Meanwhile, home treatments are oftentimes effective.
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What causes children to have dry eyes
Children with dry eye syndrome may find it challenging to take part in normal daily activities, including reading, using a computer, and playing. Burning, itchy, and irritated eyes, as well as constant blinking, can make it difficult to concentrate in class. Your child’s dry eyes could be caused by a variety of factors. Among them are the following:
- Severe allergies, with dryness caused by antihistamine overuse
- Wearing contact lenses.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can sometimes cause a type of dry eye.
- Nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin A deficiency can also cause changes in the cells that line the ocular surface, known as squamous metaplasia, as well as xerophthalmia, a condition in which the eyes do not produce tears. Dry eyes can be caused by either of these conditions.
Poor nutrition can occur in children suffering from malabsorption syndrome or eating disorders.
- Certain medications can cause or exacerbate dry eyes in children. Acne medications, both topical and systemic, antihistamines, and benzalkonium chloride-preserved eye drops are among them.
- Use of smartphones and other digital devices on a regular basis.
What are the different symptoms of dry eyes in children?
Children are unable to effectively communicate their vision problems. If there are any such problems, they will usually rub their eyes. However, parents should keep a close eye on their children in order to read their behavior and understand the underlying cause of such behavior.
The following are some of the most common dry eye syndrome symptoms in children:
- Blinking frequently.
- There is redness around the eyes.
- Constant rubbing of the eyes.
- Moving away from light sources.
- burning or stinging in the area around the eyes.
- Blurred vision at times.
- Difficulty reading, using digital devices or performing any activity that requires visual attention.
How to Treat Dry Eye in Children at Home
Your doctor may recommend artificial tears to alleviate dry eye symptoms, but you can also try home remedies to relieve dry eye syndrome.
Among the useful suggestions are:
- Smoke and other eye irritants should be avoided.
- Wear sunglasses that wrap around the sides of your child’s head. Use caps or umbrellas to shield your eyes from the sun, wind, dust, and dirt.
- Place a humidifier near or beside your child’s bed. When cleaning the machine, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- While your child is sleeping, avoid using fans.
- If your child normally wears contact lenses, instruct him or her to use rewetting drops or wear glasses until his or her eyes feel better.
- Be cautious when handling medications. Make certain that your child takes medications exactly as directed. If you suspect your child is having a medication reaction, contact your ophthalmologist.
- Make sure your child uses topical ointments at least four times per day.
- If your child requires drops more than four times per day, use preservative-free artificial tears. They may be less irritating to the eyes.
- If your child wears contact lenses, make sure he or she has rewetting drops on hand.
- Every morning, place a warm, moist cloth on your child’s eyelids for about 5 minutes. Then lightly massage the eyelids. This contributes to the natural wetness of the eyes.
Bonus
Dry eyes are uncommon in children. It is frequently associated with an underlying condition by doctors. As a result, children who have dry, stinging, burning, or itchy eyes should seek medical attention right away.
Prolonged screen time may be contributing to the rise in dry eye cases in children. Reducing screen time and making simple lifestyle changes like taking a break or blinking more frequently can help prevent dry eye caused by prolonged screen exposure.
