What does your child say?

“My eyes itch”, “my eyes burn”

Dessin illustrant des yeux qui démangent et grattent

Why does my child have burning eyes? 

You have noticed that your child has red eyes, that he rubs them regularly, that they water. He may also complain of a tingling sensation.

Together, let’s review the different reasons that can cause these types of symptoms, as well as the remedies to relieve them.

Eye allergy

Eye itching is often associated in children with allergic blepharoconjunctivitis phenomena. These symptoms occur a few hours or several days after the child has come into contact with an allergenic substance. 

In this case, the eyelids and the conjunctiva are very swollen, the eyes are red and watery. The cause of this inflammatory state may be an allergy to pollen, the famous hay fever. 

A foreign body

The presence of a foreign body in the eye may cause burning or itching of the eye with significant watering and hypersensitivity to light.

Dry eye 

Dry eye can cause a burning sensation, although this is more frequently encountered in older people. However, the pervasive presence of screens has intensified cases of dry eye in children. 

Eye disease

A child who tends to rub his eyes regularly can also be a sign of need for glasses. Indeed, visual fatigue caused by myopia or hyperopia may cause the child to rub his eyes. This can, over time, be irritating to the eye. 

It is important to note that these symptoms are not very specific and can be linked to many eye diseases, so it is prudent to carry out a complete ophthalmological examination, especially before the infant is able to speak.

How can I stop the sensation of itchy eyes? 

In the event of an allergy 

To begin with, it is important to detect the origin of the eye reaction. Once identified, remove allergens from the child’s daily life if possible. Such removal can sometimes be difficult, especially when the allergen in question is a pollen or a mite. 

If the signs of inflammation of the eye are intense or persistent, it is important to consult your paediatrician. Antihistamine eye drops can relieve symptoms. In the most severe cases, the ophthalmologist may prescribe corticosteroid-based eye drops.

In the event of a foreign body 

If you suspect that your child has a foreign body that has lodged in one of his eyes, it is important to consult your ophthalmologist. Do not attempt to remove it on your own.

In the event of dry eye 

The use of eye drops or artificial tears is the most suitable treatment for rapid relief in case of mild dry eyes. There are also lubricating gels for dry eye. 

The paediatrician, pharmacist or ophthalmologist will be able to recommend the appropriate type of drops. 

In the event of an eye disease

If your child has stinging eyes, it may be a sign that he is developing an eye disease. If you are in doubt, it is always best to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. The latter will be able to observe the secretions and the various signs of irritation. An eye examination will define whether it is an allergy, conjunctivitis or an eye disease.

Find out more about a particular condition

Do you think that your child has eye allergies or that he has dry eyes? Please do not hesitate to consult our pages on these visual disorders to learn more.