Does your child have red eyes? Redness is usually the eye’s response to irritation or infection.
It’s quite common in children and could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Keep reading to learn more about whether you should take your child to the eye doctor if their eye is red.
What are Red Eyes?
Red eyes is a term used to refer to red or bloodshot eyes. It typically occurs when the small blood vessels in the white of the eye become irritated and swell, making the eyes turn red or pink.
The redness may affect one eye or both and can happen gradually or suddenly.
What Causes Red Eyes in Children?
There are many reasons why your child could be experiencing eye redness. Common causes of red eyes in children include:
Pink Eye
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent mucous membrane that covers the white of the eye.
When tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva become irritated and swollen, they’re more visible and can cause the white of the eye to turn pink or red. Pink eye may be due to a bacteria or virus and can be highly contagious.
Allergies
Red eyes are a classic symptom of eye allergies. When an indoor or outdoor allergen such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold comes into contact with your child’s eyes, it can trigger the release of a histamine to eliminate the allergen.
This can lead to symptoms such as red, watery, and itchy eyes.
Irritants
Irritants such as perfumes, soaps, smoke, sunscreen, fumes, or chlorine in pool water can irritate your child’s eyes and cause redness.
Blepharitis
Red eyes could also be a sign of blepharitis, the inflammation of the eyelids. It occurs when the tiny oil-producing glands along the eyelid become blocked, causing irritation and red eyes.
Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or superficial injury on the cornea, the transparent, protective tissue that covers the front of the eye. Particles such as dirt, dust, wood shavings, or sand can scratch the cornea and cause eye redness, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling in the eye.
When Should You Take Your Child to an Eye Doctor if Their Eye is Red?
If you suspect your child has a corneal abrasion, immediately take them to an eye doctor to avoid an infection. It’s also best to take your child to an eye doctor for an eye exam if their red eyes persist, even if you think there’s no cause for concern.
Their eye doctor at VisionFirst Eye Center can determine what’s causing their red eyes and provide a lasting solution.
When Should You Seek Emergency Eye Care for Your Child’s Red Eye?
If your child experiences any of these symptoms in addition to redness, go to an eye doctor or the emergency room immediately:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- A feeling of something in the eye
- Sudden vision changes
- Turning away from any light source
- Swelling
- Tearing or blinking nonstop
- Severe eye pain or headache
- Being unable to open eyes or keep eyes open
How Do Eye Doctors Treat Red Eyes in Children?
The right treatment can alleviate redness, discomfort, and other symptoms, helping restore your child’s clear, comfortable vision and healthy eyes. The appropriate treatment for red eyes in children will depend on the cause and severity of the symptoms.
For example, their eye doctor may prescribe anti-allergy eye drops or medications to relieve symptoms caused by allergies. If your child has pink eye, their eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops to clear up the infection.
If your child’s red eyes are caused by blepharitis, their eye doctor may recommend warm compresses several times daily. They can also prescribe antibiotic ointment to keep the symptoms under control.
No matter the cause, the expert eye doctors at VisionFirst Eye Center can get to the bottom of your child’s red eyes and offer a personalized and effective treatment plan to eliminate redness and other symptoms.
Are you concerned about your child’s red eyes? Schedule an appointment at VisionFirst Eye Center in Birmingham, AL, today to safeguard their eye and vision health.
