Eye pain in children can be concerning. While often minor, it can sometimes signal a serious condition requiring medical attention. Understanding causes and when to seek care helps parents navigate this common issue.
Common Causes of Childhood Eye Pain
Foreign objects like dust, dirt, or an eyelash frequently cause eye discomfort. These particles irritate the eye’s surface, leading to pain, tearing, and blinking. If not removed, they can scratch the cornea.
Eye infections are another common source of pain. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, leading to redness, itching, and discharge. Styes are tender red bumps from bacterial infection of an oil gland. Chalazions are painless lumps from blocked oil glands that can become painful if infected. Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid margins, can also cause burning, itching, and pain.
Allergies, particularly allergic conjunctivitis, can cause eye pain. Allergens like pollen or pet dander irritate the eyes, causing itching, redness, excessive tearing, and swelling. Discomfort may lead children to rub their eyes, worsening irritation. Eye strain from prolonged screen time or reading can also cause discomfort as eye muscles tire.
Injuries range from minor corneal abrasions to blunt trauma from falls or impacts. Abrasions can result from rubbing the eye with a foreign object or a direct poke. Dry eyes, caused by insufficient tears or rapid evaporation, also lead to irritation, especially in certain environments or with reduced blinking during screen use.
Less common but more serious conditions include uveitis, inflammation of the eye’s middle layer (uvea). Uveitis can cause redness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision, though some children show no symptoms. Untreated, it can damage the retina, cause cataracts, or increase eye pressure, potentially leading to glaucoma. Glaucoma, characterized by high internal eye pressure, can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. While often painless, severe pressure can cause eye pain, especially in children.
Accompanying Symptoms to Observe
Other symptoms can provide clues about the underlying cause of eye pain. Redness or swelling around the eye or eyelid is common with infections (conjunctivitis, styes), allergic reactions, irritants, or insect bites.
Eye discharge varies: watery/clear with viral infections or allergies, pus-like with bacterial infections. Light sensitivity (photophobia) can accompany corneal abrasions, conjunctivitis, uveitis, or glaucoma. Vision changes, like blurriness or double vision, also warrant attention.
Excessive tearing often responds to irritation, foreign objects, or infections. Itching or burning is typical with allergies and some infections. Difficulty opening the eye, due to pain or swelling, may be observed. A child might also complain of a foreign body sensation, even if nothing is visible.
Behavioral changes, like increased irritability or frequent eye rubbing, can signal discomfort. Headaches and fever can accompany eye pain, particularly with certain infections or systemic conditions.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
Certain situations require immediate medical attention. Severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or chemical exposure necessitate an emergency room visit. Prompt care is crucial if a foreign object is embedded or if there’s significant trauma. Other emergency signs include eye bulging, inability to move the eye, severe light sensitivity, or persistent vomiting with eye pain.
Urgent medical evaluation (within 24 hours) is needed for persistent redness, swelling, or discharge that doesn’t improve. Worsening or unresolved pain, suspected infections, or blurred vision without trauma also warrant an urgent visit. Any concerning pain after a minor injury should also be evaluated.
For non-urgent concerns, schedule an appointment. This includes mild, intermittent pain, recurring symptoms, or concerns about eye strain from digital devices. General questions about eye health or refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness) can also be addressed. Only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Immediate Steps and Comfort Measures
Parents can take immediate steps to offer comfort and preliminary care. Encourage the child not to rub the eye, as this worsens irritation or causes damage. If a foreign object is suspected but not embedded, gently rinse the eye with clean water or saline. Tilt the child’s head to the side and pour a steady stream of water over the affected eye.
Applying a cool compress to the closed eyelid can reduce swelling and irritation, especially for allergies, minor injuries, or general discomfort. A clean washcloth soaked in cool water is suitable; avoid overly cold commercial packs. Maintaining good hygiene, like frequent hand washing, helps prevent infection spread. Encouraging rest also aids recovery.
Avoid certain actions when a child has eye pain. Do not attempt to remove any embedded foreign object, as this could cause significant harm. Refrain from rubbing the eye vigorously. Unless prescribed, do not use eye drops or ointments, especially those not formulated for children or the suspected condition.
While artificial tears or antihistamine drops may be suitable for some conditions, consult a professional. Self-diagnosing or delaying medical help for severe or persistent symptoms is not advised. These comfort measures are temporary and do not replace a medical evaluation.