“Can dry eye be cured in children?”
My 8 year old son has dry, itchy eyes. Can dry eye be cured in children?
13 Answers
There are many possible etiologies for an 8 year old boy to have dry, itching eyes. During the spring months, allergic conjunctivitis is common. In some instances it can be an infection or a systemic cause. I recommend a full evaluation by an ophthalmologist to diagnose and treat your son accurately and safely.
Most children have allergic conjunctivitis rather than dry eye in this scenario. I’d try otc Pataday or Zaditor first. If this persists, I’d see your Ophthalmologist
The short answer is yes
Depending on the cause most of them can be treated effectively.
Dry, itchy eyes are usually do to allergies in children. There are allergy drops that could help. Your 8-year-old should be examined by a pediatric ophthalmologist to be diagnosed.
The dry eye may be related to allergies because of the symptoms of itching and so it may be well treated if you find out what is causing the allergies. Typically kids don’t have dry eyes.
Dry eye is a rare condition in children, especially as young as 8. I would definitely seek the counsel of a board certified ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis. A more common diagnosis I’m this age group is allergy related.
Of course! You’d treat it just the same way you’d treat it in adults—artificial tears. Problem (as you may know) is that kids don’t usually tolerate eye drops as well as us adults. If they make their eyes feel better though, they’ll usually be on board.
One note is that if they itch, there may be an allergy component there, which can definitely exacerbate dry eye symptoms. If you try regular artificial tears, which you can purchase over the counter at any drugstore, but are still having symptoms, I would recommend he or she be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Hope that helps, take care,
Eric Downing MD
One note is that if they itch, there may be an allergy component there, which can definitely exacerbate dry eye symptoms. If you try regular artificial tears, which you can purchase over the counter at any drugstore, but are still having symptoms, I would recommend he or she be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Hope that helps, take care,
Eric Downing MD
Dry eye in children is an extremely rare entity and is usually associated to autoimmune disorders. Most children with suspected dry eyes have allergic conjunctivitis. If your child has dry eyes, he needs a complete ophthalmological evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
It can be treated, but not cured.
Hello, symptoms of dry eyes in children are usually related to environmental factors and if severe warrant a consult with an Allergist. Treatment to control symptoms can include cool compresses, artificial tears and perhaps allergy drops, which can be prescribed by an Eye Care Provider after a careful evaluation.
Excessive dryness of eyes due to opening the eyes without periodic closing or blinking frequently will cause dryness.
Based on his symptoms, this is likely an allergic conjunctivitis/blepharitis. He likely needs antihistamine drops. This should be treated or could lead to other problems if he rubs the eyes often and hard.
