$Unique_ID{PAR00069}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Eye Allergies}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Eye Allergies Red itchy Watering eyes Swollen whites Rough scaly
eyelids bluish pouches antihistamines cold compress compresses allergy
reaction allergic reactions pus pain enlarged pupil dilated pupils vision eye
drops conjunctive Seasonal airborne pollens pollen trees grass ragweed plants
Nonseasonal dust feathers mold molds animal dander nail polish cleaning
products stuffed toys finger paints conjunctivitis viral infections virus
infection viruses stye styes glaucoma itching tearing Oral antihistamine
phenylephrine ephedrine drop desensitization shots desensitizing shot}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Eye Allergies


     Quick Reference

     KEY SYMPTOMS
     - Red, itchy eyes
     - Watering eyes
     - Swollen whites of the eyes

     OTHER SYMPTOMS
     - Swollen, red eyelids
     - Rough, scaly skin on the eyelids
     - Swollen, bluish pouches beneath the eyes

     HOME CARE
     - Give the child antihistamines by mouth.
     - Apply cold compresses to the eyes.
     - Try to identify and avoid substances that cause allergic reactions.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - If there is pus or pain in the eyes, the condition is almost certainly
       not an allergy.
     - If the pupils of the eyes are enlarged and slow to respond to light,
       see your doctor.
     - if home treatment does not improve the eyes within 24 hours, see your
       doctor.
     - if vision is affected, see your doctor.
     - Check with your doctor before using any eye drops.


     Allergic reactions of the eyes may affect the conjunctive (the
transparent covering over the whites of the eyes and the insides of the
eyelids), as well as the skin on the eyelids and around the eyes.
     Eye allergies are caused by a wide variety of substances carried to the
eyes in the air or by the hands.  Seasonal airborne materials are pollens from
trees, grass, ragweed, and other plants.  Nonseasonal airborne materials
include house dust, feathers, molds, and animal dander (tiny scales from the
skin of an animal).  Many irritants may be carried to the eyes by the hands,
including nail polish, household cleaning products, materials from stuffed
toys, and finger paints.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     The whites of the eyes become red and itchy.  The eyes water, but no pus
is formed.  Occasionally, the whites become visibly swollen with clear,
jelly-like material.  The eyelids become swollen and red.  The skin of the
eyelids may be smooth or rough and scaly.  The pouches beneath the eyes may
become swollen and bluish.
     Certain clues can distinguish eye allergies from several other conditions
that also cause reddened eyes (such as conjunctivitis, viral infections,
foreign bodies in the eyes, styes, and glaucoma).  Eye allergies cause itching
and tearing but almost never pain or pus.  Swelling of the whites of the eyes
is a key sign of an eye allergy.

HOME CARE

     Oral antihistamines usually help.  Your doctor may recommend the use of
eye drops containing phenylephrine or ephedrine, which often bring temporary
relief.  Applying cold compresses to the eyes may also ease the discomfort.
Identifying and avoiding the irritating substance, if possible, is clearly the
best solution.

PRECAUTIONS

  -  If there is pus or pain in the eyes, the condition is almost certainly
     not an allergy.
  -  If the pupils of the eyes are dilated (enlarged) and slow to respond to
     light, see your doctor.
  -  If home treatment is not effective in 24 hours, see your doctor.
  -  If vision is affected, see your doctor.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Your doctor will examine the outsides and insides of your child's eyes.
Medicated eye drops are usually effective, but are safe only after a doctor's
examination.  Skin tests may be suggested to help identify the substances
causing the allergic reaction.  As a rule, desensitization shots over an
extended period are rarely recommended.

RELATED TOPICS:  Conjunctivitis, Eye, blocked tear duct; Eye injuries, Styes;
Viral infections