If your child’s eyes are red, itchy or watery, they may be suffering from eye allergies. While symptoms vary, sneezing, sniffling and a stuffy nose are common. In some cases, eye allergies can play a role in eye infections such as conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Your trusted optometrist from Vienna Eyecare Center shares a guide on relieving your child’s eye allergies.
What Causes Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies can be caused by both outdoor and indoor allergens. Outdoor allergens include pollen from grass, trees and weeds, while indoor allergens include pet dander, dust mites and mold. In some cases, eye allergies can also be caused by reactions to certain cosmetics or eye drops, including artificial tears used for treating dry eyes that contain preservatives.
How Can You Alleviate Eye Allergies?
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate your child’s eye allergies. Here are a few options:
- Use eye drops. There are many brands of non-prescription eye drops that help to relieve itchiness and redness caused by allergies. Be sure to consult your eye doctor for recommendations.
- Avoid allergens. Try to keep your kids indoors when the allergen count is high. If they have to go outdoors, have them wear wraparound sunglasses to shield their eyes from pollen. Also, make sure your HVAC system has clean filters so it can capture indoor contaminants floating in the air.
- Remove their contacts. The surface of the contact lenses may attract and accumulate airborne allergens. If your child wears prescription contact lenses, consider letting them wear a pair of glasses during allergy season. Daily disposable contacts are also a great solution to avoid the buildup of contaminants on the lenses.
For your eye care needs, turn to Vienna Eyecare Center! We offer a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye exams and prescriptions for both contact lenses and eyeglasses. Call us today at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We offer services in Vienna, Reston and McLean, VA.
