Eye Problems & Children

Eye problems are common in children, and range from infections, irritation, allergies to changes in vision. Any injury to the eye or problem that is affecting your child's vision should be evaluated by a doctor right away.

Conjunctivitis: conjunctivitis or pinkeye, is an infection caused by a virus or bacteria, that can cause redness in one or both eyes and a watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes a red eye and matting of the eyes with a green or yellow discharge and it requires treatment with antibiotics (usually a topical ointment or drops). Conjunctivitis caused by a virus can also produce a red eye, but the discharge is usually just watery or cloudy. This type of infection is usually accompanied by symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a runny nose and cough, and he may have an enlarged lymph gland in front of his ear. No treatment is usually required for this type of infection.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergies, especially in children with allergies or asthma, and can cause both eyes to be red and swollen, itching and tearing. Antihistamines or eye drops may be needed for treatment.

Stye: A stye or hordeolum produces a tender, red swollen area on your child's eyelid. It may point inward or it may be on the outside of the eyelid margin. Treatment is with warm compresses and sometimes topical antibiotics.

Chalazion: If there is a nodule or swollen area on the eyelid, but it isn't red or tender, then it is probably a chalazion, which is an inflamed meibomian gland that improves by using warm compresses several times each day for several weeks or months. Persistent cases sometimes require excision.
Corneal Abrasion: can occur after having a foreign body in the eye or after scratching the eye. This causes pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light. An abrasion can be detected by your pediatrician by putting fluorescein dye drops in the eye and looking at it with a special blue light. Treatment is with antibiotic ointment until the abrasion has healed, unless the abrasion is over the pupil, in which case your child should probably see an ophthalmologist.

Blepharitis: an inflammation of the eyelids that causes them to have redness, crusting and scaling and the eyes may be itchy or irritated. Treatment is usually with daily cleansing of the eyelids with a no-tears shampoo and a soft cloth. Sometimes an antibiotic cream is also needed. Untreated, this can lead to the formation of a stye or chalazion.

Foreign body: having a foreign object in the eye, such as a piece of sand, etc, can cause pain,, especially with blinking, and tearing. Older children may complain that it feels like there is something in the eye. Treatment is by washing the object out of the eye with lukewarm water. See you pediatrician if that doesn't help.

Dacryostenosis: This is a blocked tear duct, are very common in newborns and infants and usually clear up on their own by the time your baby is a year old. It can cause some matting of the eye, and persistent tearing in one or both eyes. You should wipe away any discharge with a warm cloth. You can also gently massage the side of the upper part of your baby's nose to try and open up the duct. If your baby has a lot of discharge that needs to be wiped away more than a few times a day, then he may need an antibiotic and you should see your doctor.
Subconjunctival hemorrhages: occur because of pressure during the birth process. It causes a red streaking or red spots of blood on the white part of the eye and it will go away in a few weeks. It can also occur in older children after vomiting forcibly.

Periorbital cellulitis: This is a serious infection that can cause a fever and your child's eyelids to be red, swollen and tender. Left untreated, it can progress to orbital cellulitis or a deep infection of the eye, which can cause the eye to be pushed outwards (proptosis), and may limit the movement of the eye. You should seek medical attention immediately for either of these conditions.
Other eye problems include those caused by trauma, including fractures to the bones around the eye, chemical burns, and lacerations or cuts to the eye or eyelids. These require immediate medical attention.