Eye Allergies

With the beautiful blooms of spring comes the dreaded allergy season. Part of allergy season is itchy, watery eyes. How can you tell what is simply an eye allergy or something that needs medical care?

Eye allergy symptoms include:

• Itchy eyes (you will notice your child frequently rubbing their eyes)
• Increase in tearing
• Red or pink eyes
• Mild swelling of the eyelids
• No sticky, mucus discharge
• No pain or fever
• Other allergy or hay fever symptoms may accompany the eye allergies (sneezing, running/itching nose)

If your child has these symptoms you can wash the allergens off the face by using a wet washcloth to clean the eyelids. You can also use an antihistamine such as benadryl.

If your child wears contacts, you may want to switch them to glasses temporarily to allow the eyes to heal faster.

You should contact us during office hours if:

• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Blisters on eyes or inner lids
• Eyelids are swollen shut
• Discharge that is not cleared after taking allergy medications for 2 days
• Discharge that is mucus or sticky