Pain in the child’s eye: what to do?
Pain in the child’s eye can be worrying for any parent! It requires special attention. The causes can vary, ranging from simple irritation to a more serious condition.
Our COP9 team presents some key steps to identify the ophthalmic problem and act accordingly.
Identify the symptoms associated with pain in the child's eye
To identify the symptoms associated with pain in the child’s eye, Dr. Stéphanie Zwillinger advises you to carefully observe the ocular surface.
Common signs include a red eye, stinging, itching or discomfort when blinking.
Other possible symptoms are secretions, sometimes purulent, runny eyes, or increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Look for ophthalmic signs such as:
redness or swelling;
excessive tearing;
sensitivity to light;
visible foreign body;
complaints of blurred vision.
These clues will help you determine if rapid ophthalmologic intervention is necessary.
If the field of vision is impaired or if these symptoms persist, consult an ophthalmologist promptly.
First steps in case of pain in the child's eye
If the child’s eye is painful, start by washing your hands before handling it.
Then wash the eye with physiological serum to moisten and lubricate the eyeball.
Gently clean both eyes, even if only one seems affected, especially if there is dust in the eyes.
First aid in 3 steps
Gently clean the eye
If a foreign body is visible, rinse gently with saline solution.
Avoid rubbing the eye
This may worsen irritation or cause a scratch on the cornea.
Apply a cold compress
This may relieve pain and reduce swelling
If the pain persists or worsens, consult an ophthalmologist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
When to see a doctor?
Certain situations require immediate consultation:
- if the pain is severe and does not go away;
- if there is sudden loss of vision;
- if the eye is perforated or seriously injured;
- if the child has a fever or yellow-green discharge.
An ophthalmologist can perform a thorough examination to diagnose conditions such as conjunctivitis, a scratch on the cornea, or a more serious infection.
What treatment can be given for pain in the child’s eye
In the event of severe or regular pain in the child’s eye, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist quickly. This specialist will be able to assess the situation and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Depending on the cause, eye drops or specific eye drops may be used to relieve irritated or itchy eyes.
An eye ointment may also be applied, especially for infections or inflammations.
These treatments aim to provide quick relief while treating the source of the problem.
It is important to avoid self-medication and to follow medical recommendations to ensure the health and well-being of the child’s eyes.
Preventing pain in the child’s eye
To prevent eye pain, it is important to teach your child:
- not to touch their eyes with dirty hands;
- to wear protective glasses during risky activities;
- to avoid exposure to irritating substances such as smoke or dust.
When in doubt, it is always best to seek the advice of a specialist to ensure your child’s well-being.
What conditions can cause pain in the child's eye?
Several conditions can cause eye pain in children.
Allergies, especially allergic conjunctivitis, are common and cause irritation and redness.
Eye infections, such as viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, are also common causes.
Dry eyes, often linked to excessive evaporation of tears or dysfunction of the lacrimal glands, can cause a feeling of discomfort.
Other causes include trauma, foreign body or inflammation, such as uveitis.
Each condition requires specific management to prevent complications and preserve the child’s eye health. For example:
discomfort or burning in the eyes may indicate an ophthalmic problem;
an imbalance in the tear fluid can cause watery or irritated eyes.
These situations irritate the eyes and often lead to runny eyes.
If these symptoms persist, it is important to consult a specialist to assess the cause and obtain appropriate treatment to preserve eye health.
In conclusion
A child’s eye pain can cause stress and discomfort, but with appropriate actions, such as the use of eye drops, and increased vigilance, you can act quickly to protect their visual acuity and consult an ophthalmology specialist if necessary.
