The main causes of red eyes in a child – when to consult a doctor?

The child has red eyes, reasons:

First, you need to analyze the last hours before the symptom appears, ask the child about his general health, measure the baby’s body temperature and carefully examine his eyes.

These simple manipulations will help you draw conclusions about a possible disease, choose the necessary treatment method, or decide to consult a pediatrician and a specialized specialist. Ophthalmologists consider the main reasons for inflammation and redness of the protein to be:

Various reasons cause characteristic symptoms, and not only the eye may turn red, but over time the child will begin to complain of pain, purulent discharge or peeling of the skin will appear. Depending on the symptoms that appear, the disease is diagnosed.

How to relieve stress

If your eye is red after a sleepless night or a long day of work at the computer, you need to put everything aside and relax. It is advisable to take a cool shower and be sure to apply napkins soaked in black tea to your eyes.

Soothing lotions are useful for tiredness and eye strain.

They can be made from infusions of calendula, oak bark or chamomile:

1. Cool compresses are a good way to constrict blood vessels. They do not lead to negative consequences and are not addictive to the eyes.
2. Try using ice for them. You can't just put it on your eyes. Extreme cold can cause frostbite.
3. You need to carefully take the cube with two fingers and treat the skin around the eyes, lower and upper eyelids for several seconds.
4. After this procedure, red eyes will immediately feel relief.

If you feel unwell and tired eyes at work, soak cotton pads or dry wipes in cool water and apply to your eyelids for a few minutes.

Possible reasons

Most likely, the root cause of redness of the sclera in a child is the ingress of foreign particles, infections, or exposure to smoke from passive smoking, so we will tell you more about these factors:

Foreign object hit

In this case, the mother needs to carefully examine the baby’s eyes.

This should be done from the outer edge to the inner corner of the eyeball. If after the manipulations the foreign body still remains in place and you are unable to remove it, you should seek help from an ophthalmologist.

Infection

Inflamed eyes and red sclera are observed in children with various infectious diseases. This symptom is typical when adenoviruses or rhinoviruses enter the baby’s body, causing spasm of the capillaries and severe redness of the conjunctiva.

A bacterial infection is distinguished not only by the color of the sclera, but also by souring of the eyes, the appearance of white or greenish discharge. The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the correct diagnosis, so the child’s mother should consult a doctor to find out the nature of the disease (viral or bacterial infection).

With passive smoking

Cigarette smoke contains many harmful substances that have a destructive effect not only on the smoker himself, but also on people present in the smoky room. In this case, redness of the sclera occurs, pain and pain in the eyes, and lacrimation appear. With constant irritation, conjunctivitis may develop.

Loving parents should protect their child from exposure to tobacco smoke and not smoke in his presence. It should be remembered that it can cause changes in tissue structure, blurred vision and the development of allergies.

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And you should absolutely not postpone examining a doctor in the following situations:

• If home “treatment” with folk “lotions and poultices” for computer and TV fatigue does not help. That is, the drops were dropped, the tea bags were applied, the computer was hidden, the sleep was complete, but the redness of the eyes did not go away.
• The redness of the eyes has lasted for a very long time and no remedies have helped.
• Watery eyes, discharge of pus, crusts on the eyelids, and photophobia appear.
• You can’t open your eyes in the morning ; you have to rinse them for a long time.
• There is a sensation of a foreign body, burning, pain in the eyes.
• Vision deteriorated sharply.
• There are “flies” in the eyes , blurred vision or “like rain on glass”, the “picture” blurs, “focus” is lost.
• The eyes get tired very quickly.

First of all, of course, you should go to an ophthalmologist - only he will establish the cause and help cope with the disease, because timely diagnosis is half the success in the treatment of eye diseases .

But at the same time, we must eliminate all factors that provoke redness of the eyes - limit or remove TV and computer until the cause is determined, control changes in lighting, do not read in the dark or lying down, drink vitamins, make sure that you get good sleep at night.

The site Colady.ru warns: self-medication can harm your health! The diagnosis should only be made by a doctor after an examination. Therefore, if you notice symptoms, be sure to consult a specialist!

Symptoms

If you find that your baby's eyes are inflamed, look for other symptoms. They are very different in the case of a bacterial infection, when a virus enters the body or an allergic reaction occurs in a child. Let's consider the characteristic signs that appear in different cases:

• When an adenovirus enters the body, the baby begins to become intoxicated with fever, muscle pain, headache, cough and sore throat. These symptoms are accompanied by redness of the sclera, and slight discharge may be observed.
• In case of infection with a rhinovirus infection, a runny nose is added; due to swelling of the nasal cavity, not only the sclera, but also the skin under the eyes may turn red.
• Measles disease is characterized by severe intoxication and muscle pain, the temperature rises significantly, the eyes become red, photophobia and a rash on the skin and mucous membranes appear, and lacrimation is noted.
• When the body has an allergic reaction, the eyes not only turn red, but also become very itchy, swelling of the eyelids occurs, and lacrimation begins. Additional symptoms appear: intense runny nose, persistent coughing and sneezing, rash on the skin.
• Red eyes and swelling in the morning may indicate kidney disease, so pathologies of these organs need to be excluded.
• In newborns, the eyes may turn red due to passage through the birth canal (puberty crisis). In this case, pimples are observed in the area of ​​the baby's eyes and cheeks.

• Infection with chlamydia leads to an increase in temperature and the development of urethritis, later conjunctivitis occurs and arthritis begins. Catarrhal conjunctivitis in this case can last for several months, uveitis or episcleritis may develop, and this leads to decreased vision. It is difficult for parents to independently diagnose this disease, so if such symptoms appear, they should contact a specialist.
• If your child's eyes are red after visiting the pool or swimming in sea water, there is no need to worry. The symptoms will go away soon, but you should purchase special glasses for your child to protect their eyes.
• Glaucoma causes headaches, nausea and vomiting, and blurred vision. In this case, the mother needs to immediately consult an ophthalmologist, because glaucoma can lead to blindness.
• Uveitis is characterized by similar symptoms: red eyes and spots under the lower eyelids, pain, photophobia and blurred vision.

Provoking diseases

Eye hyperemia is a common symptom of many eye diseases. Let's talk in more detail about some of them.

Asthenopia

The pathology is also called computer vision syndrome. It manifests itself in the form of eye fatigue. Asthenopathy often causes headaches, foggy vision, and double vision. Children may also complain of nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, and dryness. Because of this, reading difficulties arise. Visual discomfort causes irritation.

Children with binocular visual impairment are at risk. According to statistics, approximately seventy percent of patients suffering from asthenopathy are PC users.

IMPORTANT! The pathology is characterized by fatigue from work much faster than usual.

Treatment may take a long time. In some cases, correction of visual impairment is carried out using glasses or contact lenses. Eye vitamins and moisturizing drops are also used.

To relieve visual fatigue, make light circular movements in the eyelid area and above the eyebrows. This will increase blood circulation and help relax the eye muscles. Experts also recommend rubbing your palms together and then applying them to your closed eyelids.

An energy charge can be obtained through sunbathing. Just expose your face to direct ultraviolet rays for a couple of minutes. In this case, the eyelids should be closed. It is important to choose the optimal lighting intensity. Too bright and, conversely, dim light forces the eyes to work harder.

Don't forget to blink regularly, no matter how trivial it may sound. Tear fluid helps wash away microbes from the surface of the mucous membrane of the eye and provides the cornea with the necessary lubrication.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva is probably the most common cause of a red eye. The disease can be viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature. Conjunctivitis also develops due to injury, foreign body penetration, or improper use of contact lenses.

This is a highly contagious pathology, that is, it is easily transmitted from one person to another. Viral infection often occurs with ARVI, and transmission of pathogens occurs by airborne droplets. Infection with bacteria can occur through shared use of personal hygiene items. Allergic conjunctivitis is not spread from one person to another.

Bacterial infection of the eye mainly manifests itself in the form of pus discharge. In the morning, it is difficult for a child to open his eyes, as the pathological secretion holds the eyelids together. The viral infection causes excessive watery eyes, mucous discharge, as well as nasal congestion and sore throat. A characteristic feature of allergies is unbearable itching. The inflammation affects both eyes at the same time.

Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. Bacteria are eliminated with the help of antibiotics, viruses are eliminated through the use of antiviral drugs, and antihistamines combat the increased reaction of the body. Washing the eyes with furatsilin solution or chamomile infusion helps speed up the healing process.

Redness often appears with conjunctivitis

Dacryocystitis

Inflammation of the lacrimal sac most often occurs due to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. As a result, a large amount of pathogenic microflora accumulates in it, which causes an inflammatory reaction. Dacryocystitis can be congenital. The cause of its development is often trauma, as well as infectious processes.

Most often, the disease affects only one eye. Pain, hyperemia, swelling in the inner corner of the eye, and lacrimation appear. To eliminate dacryocystitis, newborns are given a light massage of the lacrimal sac projection site. This helps to cope with blockage of the canals. At the same time, antibiotics are prescribed in the form of ointments.

If there are no results of conservative treatment, the lacrimal ducts are probed and then washed. If ophthalmological manipulations do not affect the course of the disease, surgical intervention is indicated at five years of age.

Complications and consequences

If an advanced disease is incorrectly diagnosed and treated, complications often develop. If red eyes are a symptom of a viral infection, respiratory problems may occur. Bronchitis and pneumonia can occur with the additional addition of a bacterial infection. Otitis often develops when a viral infection is not treated in a timely manner.

An allergy may not be limited to such a “harmless” symptom as redness of the eyes; lack of treatment often leads to serious asthmatic attacks and Quincke’s edema.

Due to possible complications, every mother should closely monitor the baby’s condition. If redness of the sclera is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Why did the vessel burst, what to do about it

The mucous membrane of the eye contains a huge number of blood vessels. It happens that they rupture, then the sclera becomes bright red. If the bleeding is severe, there may be a sensation of a foreign object and pressure on the eye.

You should consult a doctor if:

• a burst vessel is a consequence of mechanical damage;
• there are causeless hemorrhages;
• There is also bleeding gums.

Usually no special treatment is required for hemorrhage. Recovery occurs after a few days. But if the bruise is the result of an injury, hospital treatment may be required.

If the vessel bursts due to inflammation of viral origin, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. If your blood pressure is high, your ophthalmologist may refer you to a therapist or neurologist for examination.

Not recommended:

• rub your eyes if you feel like there is a foreign body in your eyes;
• refuse to take medications prescribed by a doctor.

Recommended:

• do eye exercises;
• monitor your blood pressure.

Bursted blood vessels in newborns are not a reason to panic. They go away on their own in about 2 weeks.

Diagnosis of red eyes in a child

It begins with interviewing parents and identifying symptoms. If there are people in the family who suffer from allergies, then redness of the baby's eyes may be a symptom of an allergic reaction. In cases with severe catarrhal symptoms, one can conclude that the disease is viral in nature. The presence of edema and problems with urination may lead the doctor to think about kidney disease.

Redness of the eyes and the development of conjunctivitis can be caused by chlamydia, so it is necessary to determine the level of antibodies in the child’s body. In any case, if you have several symptoms, you need to be examined by a doctor and donate urine and blood for testing.

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What could have caused

Let's look at the possible causes of redness in a child's eyes:

• mechanical damage, penetration of a foreign body into the organ of vision;
• the result of an allergic reaction (itching and tearing may also be present);
• conjunctivitis (the presence of pus is possible);
• blepharitis - redness can be observed on the eyelids or their corners, but redness of the entire eye is also possible;
• glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure;
• the presence of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• blockage of the lacrimal canal - observed in newborns;
• the result of exposure to an unfavorable environment: sunburn, chapping, hypothermia;
• dry eye syndrome;
• retinal detachment;
• the result of severe overwork, lack of healthy sleep;
• parasitic infestation;
• the presence of a viral infection in the body (characteristic symptoms are also present);
• autoimmune pathology;
• redness is accompanied by swelling - possible kidney disease.

Redness of the eyes in a child, treatment:

Many mothers ask what measures need to be taken and what to do if the child’s eye is red. Let's look at different treatment methods and talk first about drug therapy:

• The fight against viruses involves comprehensive treatment, the use of antiviral medications and means to relieve symptoms.
• For adenovirus infection, rinsing the nasal passages is useful, improving blood circulation and lymph outflow (you can use Aquamaris for this).
• Paracetamol, which reduces photophobia and redness of the eyes, helps fight the symptoms of measles and adenovirus infection.
• When infected with chlamydia, the specialist prescribes an antibiotic (Aziclar or Clarithromycin).
• Allergic reactions must be treated with antihistamines (Levocetirizine, Diphenhydramine, etc.)
• For a bacterial infection, antibacterial agents are selected that are appropriate for the child’s age (“Cephalosporin”, “Tetracycline”, “Tetrizopine”, etc.)
• Glaucoma is treated with drugs such as Betaxalol and Acetazolamide, but surgery may be required.
• To treat uveitis, the ophthalmologist writes a prescription for glucocorticosteroids.

Useful video

From this video you will learn more about conjunctivitis in a child:

Redness of the whites of the eyes in a child is often not a symptom of a serious illness , but this condition cannot be ignored.

determine the cause of the disease and prescribe treatment . With timely medical care, the symptom goes away within a few days and does not cause serious consequences.

Traditional treatment for red eyes in children

If the white of the eye is noticeably red, but no other symptoms are observed, you can use folk remedies:

• Make a lotion for your child by soaking a cotton pad in a decoction of chamomile or strong tea (5–10 minutes)
• Rinse the eyes with a weak solution of furatsilin using warm water.
• Prepare an infusion of sage or calendula and wash your baby's eyes.
• For adenovirus infection, suggest drinking tea with viburnum and honey.
• A decoction of marshmallow and chamomile will help with a viral infection, and it should be drunk with the addition of lemon juice.

The appearance of the disease in men

Fatigue is often attributed to dilation of small blood vessels in the eyes. Sometimes the vessels are so dilated that they look like a bloody spot on the eye. Such symptoms cannot be ignored.

Men who are engaged in certain types of activities: heavy physical labor, hazardous work, welding work, in hot shops, experience constant irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes.

There are a few simple steps to prevent eye redness:

1. Full sleep. If you are worried about insomnia, you can take herbal sedative drops at night.
2. Gymnastics for the eyes during the working day for 5-10 minutes. If you feel your eyes are tired, you need to blink quickly for a while or close your eyes tightly.
3. Consumption of vitamins A, B, lutein. There is no need to purchase special medications. These vitamins are found in berries, vegetables, cereals, and legumes.
4. Blinking more often means moisturizing your eyes. You can also use “Artificial tear” drops or their equivalent.

When should you see a doctor?

• Washing the eyes with traditional methods and compresses do not help.
• Numerous symptoms appear, affecting the visual and respiratory organs, and a rash on the skin is observed.
• The eyes cannot be opened in the morning due to the formation of crusts.
• Vision deteriorates, the baby may complain of “fog” or “double vision”, and fatigue is noted.
• Self-treatment should not be carried out in children under 1 year of age.

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Preventing red eyes in children

What needs to be done for prevention purposes, and what measures should be taken to prevent redness of the eyes:

conclusions

If, then this requires immediate contact with a specialized specialist - this is a mandatory procedure if you have determined that the child did not injure his eye at home. The causes of red eyes can be different, ranging from a foreign body getting into it, to glaucoma, the treatment of which requires surgery or taking medications under the supervision of a doctor. A red eye requires careful care - lotions from chamomile decoctions, minimizing eye strain, eliminating stress and nervous experiences. The child should sleep well and suffer from conjunctivitis and other viral diseases.

Quite often, parents have to deal with a variety of health problems in their child. At almost any age of a baby, you can notice an unusual redness in his eyes.

There can be many reasons for this and it is not always worth sounding the alarm. Of course, if the redness of the eyes is quite severe and lasts for quite a long time, it is better to immediately consult an appropriate doctor for advice.

Rules of care

To do this, protect your child from heavy loads. Rinse your eyes and carry out procedures according to your doctor's recommendations. Don't try to warm your sore eyes. Avoid sudden changes in lighting if your child's eyes are very inflamed and painful. Avoid leaving your baby outside in the wind, don’t let dust get into his eyes, use safety glasses. Buy a good vitamin complex suitable for the child’s age.

Remember that this symptom may be secondary, so it is necessary to find out the etiology of the disease. Timely consultation with a specialized specialist guarantees a quick recovery for your baby!