Pain in the child’s eye: what to do?

When a child has a sore eye, it can be a source of concern for many parents!

There are several potential causes of pain in a child’s eye, ranging from common problems like pink eye to more serious conditions like glaucoma or KVC.

Keep on reading this COP9 article to find out its possible origins, and especially how to react properly.

Pain in the child's eye:

when to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist?

If the pain in the child’s eye persists or is accompanied by symptoms such as:

 

  • swelling; 

  • a flow;

  • a change in vision…

 

The COP9 team reminds you that it is important to consult a doctor quickly.

 

Your ophthalmologist can prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops for bacterial infections, or antihistamine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis.


In some cases, more serious conditions like corneal ulcers or uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) may require stronger treatment, such as oral antibiotics or steroid eye drops.

Pain in the child's eye: possible home treatments

You can try using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness and discomfort.

Warm compresses can also relieve conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or stye (infection of the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes).

It is important to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist if your child is experiencing eye pain.

Pain in the child's eye:

conjunctivitis

A common cause of eye pain in children is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.

 

This condition is often characterized by redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

 

Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

 

  • viral or bacterial infections;

  • allergies or irritants such as dust or smoke.

 

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include redness, itching, watery eyes, and watery or mucous discharge from the eye.

Pain in the child's eye:

allergic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis

These two pathologies have several similarities. They result from inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye in response to an allergen.

Symptoms include:

 

  • redness of the eyes, often in both eyes; 

  • severe itching;

  • tingling;

  • tearing;

  • flows.

Allergic conjunctivitis, which varies in duration and intensity, can be seasonal (related to the presence of certain types of pollen) or perennial (persistent in the case of allergies to animal hair or dust mites, for example).

This condition may feel like there is a foreign body in the eyeball, and the eyes may appear dry.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe but rare form of ocular allergy. This eye infection mainly affects children between 4 and 14 years old.

It is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of inflammation and itching linked to this pathology.

Pain in the child's eye:

dry eye

Dry eye is another common cause of pain in a child’s eye.

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or they evaporate too quickly.

This can lead to symptoms such as redness, irritation, blurred vision, and a dry or crackling feeling in the eyes.

 

Dry eye can be exacerbated by factors such as looking at screens for long periods of time, wearing contact lenses, or being exposed to dry air.

 

If your child suffers from eye pain, it is important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can make the irritation worse and potentially damage the cornea.

Pain in the child's eye:

a sign of a more serious condition

In rare cases, pain in a child’s eye may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as juvenile glaucoma, optic nerve damage, or even a tumor.

 

These conditions may require urgent ophthalmic evaluation and treatment to prevent vision loss or other complications.

 

It is important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical attention promptly if any concerning changes occur.


Overall, when a child has eye pain, it is important to take the symptoms seriously and seek the advice of an ophthalmologist.

In conclusion

By identifying the underlying cause of the pain in the child’s eye and following the appropriate treatment plan (ointment, eye drops, etc.), you can not only help your child find relief, but also prevent further damage. possible complications.

Prompt and adequate intervention can play a crucial role in protecting long-term eye health and visual acuity.

 

Do not hesitate to consult our COP9 ophthalmological team in Paris for regular follow-up and personalized advice to guarantee the visual well-being of your child.

To discover

Skip to content