{"id":4587,"date":"2023-09-18T17:18:31","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T17:18:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clinicaoftalmologicanebro.com\/?p=4587"},"modified":"2024-09-06T06:23:17","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T06:23:17","slug":"itchy-eyes-in-children-is-it-normal-for-my-child-to-rub-his-eyes-constantly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clinicaoftalmologicanebro.com\/en\/picor-de-ojos-en-ninos-es-normal-que-mi-hijo-se-frote-los-ojos-constantemente\/","title":{"rendered":"Itchy eyes in children: Is it normal for my child to rub his eyes constantly?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The itchy eyes in children<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is vital to detect immediately any possible cause (e.g. bacterial conjunctivitis, allergies or the need for glasses) by examination. in situ<\/em> and the use of non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as the ones we use in the Dr. Nebro Ophthalmology Clinic<\/a><\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why children rub their eyes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infectious or allergic conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most common cause. Sometimes the allergy manifests itself more as rhinitis than as conjunctivitis,<\/a> so that the child may experience itchy eyes even though the eyes are not red or heavily discharged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreign body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More common among adults, in very dry climates, or in children who spend many hours using a tablet<\/em> or a similar display, this could be the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visual problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What problems can itchy eyes in children lead to?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the long term, the habit of rubbing the eyes worsens vision and may increase the development of myopia and glaucoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop your child rubbing their eyes and get rid of itching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n