Eye Allergies: Brief Version

What are eye allergies?

Eye allergies are an allergic reaction to an allergic 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.
• Your child should shower, shampoo, and change clothes after playing outside.
• Use air conditioning or an air purifier if you can. This helps clean the pollen out of the air.
• Use eyedrops prescribed by your doctor, if needed. Antihistamine eyedrops that you can buy without a prescription may help too.
• If your child has hay fever, he also needs an oral antihistamine. You can buy Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin without a prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which one to use.

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.