Many parents have faced this problem: their children often rub their eyes, even if they are told not to do so. This is not because they are being naughty – their eyes are just very sensitive and they are trying to ease the itchiness.

What are eye allergies?

Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. In Hong Kong, an average of one in every six children suffer from this problem. It occurs when the eyes become overly sensitive to external stimuli such as light, wind, and dust. Eye allergies are not a disease but a symptom, and they may also be a sign of other eye problems such as dry eyes, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and so on.

Symptoms of eye allergies

-Itchy, dry and gritty eyes with a burning sensation or pain

-Red and swollen eyes

-Tearing or excessive eye discharge

-Blurry or double vision

-Photophobia

Causes of eye allergies

When the eyes are stimulated by allergens, mast cells in the immune system will react and release a large amount of histamine, causing bloodshot eyes, inflammation, tearing, redness and swelling.

Each child may be allergic to different allergens, such as pet hair, dust mites, pollen on the streets, etc., all of which can trigger eye allergies. When eye allergies occur, patients may experience dry and itchy eyes, photophobia, and eye pain. Children may blink constantly, experience tearing and eye fatigue, and start rubbing their eyes.

How to prevent and treat eye allergies?

Parents should take their children for allergy tests such as an IgE test to identify the allergens. This helps lower the chance of developing eye allergies by avoiding allergens. If the condition is severe, the doctor may use artificial tears to dilute and flush away the allergens on the conjunctiva and prescribe oral antihistamines and eye drops to relieve the discomfort caused by the symptoms. Steroid eye drops can also be used to relieve more severe eye allergies, but they should only be used under the prescription of an eye doctor as they may increase eye pressure if used improperly.

If your child is already experiencing symptoms of eye allergies, bring them to a doctor as soon as possible for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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