The itchy eyes in children is often caused by disease rather than indiscriminate use of digital screens or poor light hygiene. Sometimes it is not a very intense itch, but in the absence of understanding of the possible consequences of rubbing the eyes with force, the risk of itching is multiplied.
It is vital to detect immediately any possible cause (e.g. bacterial conjunctivitis, allergies or the need for glasses) by examination. in situ and the use of non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as the ones we use in the Dr. Nebro Ophthalmology Clinic. In addition, as eye health professionals with extensive experience with children, once the cause has been established, we can give parents a series of tips to reduce this scratching while the necessary treatments take effect to eliminate the itching sensation in one or both eyes.
Why children rub their eyes
Some parents come to us and say "my baby rubs his eyes a lot". In infants and newborns, rubbing the eyes is a sure sign of itching, stinging or discomfort such as foreign bodies.
Dream
Every rule has an exception that confirms it, and in the case of eye rubbing by babies or very young children, this is when they rub their eyes with both hands, without any feeling of nervousness or discomfort, as bedtime approaches.
It is an instinctive act.
Infectious or allergic conjunctivitis
Perhaps the most common cause. Sometimes the allergy manifests itself more as rhinitis than as conjunctivitis, so that the child may experience itchy eyes even though the eyes are not red or heavily discharged.
Foreign body
In this case, children and adults act on instinct. If in doubt, try rinsing your child's eyes with mineral water or tap water or, if possible, with suitable sterile solutions.
Dry eye
More common among adults, in very dry climates, or in children who spend many hours using a tablet or a similar display, this could be the case.
Visual problems
When a child rubs his or her eyes frequently, but not insistently, it is a good idea to check whether there is a refractive problem.
What problems can itchy eyes in children lead to?
In both children and adults, there are a number of consequences of intense eye rubbing. In the case of young children, the risk is greater because they may not be aware of the damage they are causing themselves, or they may forget not to rub their eyes.
In the short term, vigorous rubbing of the eye can lead to corneal injury or ulceration. It can happen by chance, as an instinctive response if a small foreign body gets into the eye or, when rubbing, if there was a loose eyelash on the cornea. But we also contribute with this bad habit to the weakening of the corneal tissue itself and to unwanted thickening or keratoconus. Keratoconus can be a very serious problem that may require a corneal transplant in the future. It is therefore very important that children do not rub their eyes.
These are lesions that may require surgery and are normally seen in older patients, but when young children experience itching or stinging, it is difficult to make them understand the need not to rub their eyes.
In the long term, the habit of rubbing the eyes worsens vision and may increase the development of myopia and glaucoma.
How to stop your child rubbing their eyes and get rid of itching
- If a foreign body (solid or liquid, with soapy water) is suspected, rinse immediately with water, sterile saline solution or artificial tears. If this does not solve the problem within a few minutes, make an appointment with a doctor or ophthalmologist.
- Routine check-ups with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect the need for glasses before symptoms such as repeated itchy eyes or school delays appear.
- Although it is complicated at certain ages, ideally children should not bring their hands to the periocular area without being clean.
The itchy eyes in children is a symptom to watch out for, as it is almost always a warning that something is wrong. Unless it is the reflex associated with the onset of drowsiness in very young children or if it is resolved by rinsing the affected eye with water or a sterile solution, ask for consultation with an ophthalmologist specialising in children to reduce the risk of damage due to forceful eye rubbing. In our clinic we see patients of all ages.