Dry Eyes in Children: Care Instructions

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Eyeball and optic nerve

Overview

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable. For some children, the dryness makes their eyes feel dry or hot. Their eyes may also water a lot. In some cases, dry eyes make it feel like there is sand or dirt in the eyes.

From time to time, dry eyes may cause your child to have blurry vision. But dry eyes don't usually cause lasting problems with vision.

There are different causes of dry eyes. Sometimes dry weather, smoke, or pollution can bother the eyes. Other times, allergies or contact lenses irritate the eyes.

You can work with your doctor to find ways to help your child's eyes feel better. Home treatment often helps.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Have your child take breaks often when your child reads, watches TV, or uses a computer. Tell your child to close their eyes and not to rub them. You may want to try artificial tears when your child does these activities. You can buy these without a prescription.
  • Avoid smoke and other things that irritate the eyes.
  • Have your child wear sunglasses that wrap around the sides of the head. These can protect the eyes from sun, wind, dust, and dirt.
  • Place a cool-mist humidifier by your child's bed or close to your child. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
  • Do not use fans while your child sleeps.
  • If your child usually wears contact lenses, have your child use rewetting drops or wear glasses until the eyes feel better.
  • Be safe with medicines. Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
  • Have your child use artificial tears at least 4 times a day.
  • If your child needs drops more than 4 times a day, use artificial tears without preservatives. They may irritate the eyes less.
  • Have your child use a lubricating eye ointment or eye gel at bedtime. These are thicker and last longer, so your child may have less burning, dryness, and itching when your child wakes up. Be aware that they may blur vision for a short time.
  • To put in eyedrops or ointment:
    • Tilt your child's head back, and pull the lower eyelid down with one finger.
    • Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
    • Close your child's eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
    • Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your child's eyelashes or any other surface.
  • Put a warm, moist cloth on your child's eyelids every morning for about 5 minutes. Then massage the eyelids lightly. This helps increase the natural wetness of the eyes.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has signs of an eye infection, such as:
    • Pus or thick discharge coming from the eye.
    • Redness or swelling around the eye.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child has vision changes.
  • Your child does not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.