Bloodshot eyes take place frequently in children, typically showing inflammation of the eye surface. This results in dilation of tiny surface area capillary and the appearance of bloodshot eyes. Although this symptom may be alarming, the underlying cause is often not serious. Typical causes of bloodshot eyes in children consist of infections, allergies and irritants. See your healthcare provider for an accurate medical diagnosis and suitable treatment if your child has bloodshot eyes.
Why My Kid Has Bloodshot Eyes and How I Can Help Him?
Infection
A lot of cases of bloodshot eyes in children are due to a superficial bacterial or viral infection. Referred to as contagious conjunctivitis or pink eye, this condition involves infection of the thin membrane that covers the eye surface and the within the eyelids. It can be challenging to distinguish between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis as the symptoms overlap. Nevertheless, thick eye discharge takes place more typically with a bacterial infection. Clear, watery eye discharge is more likely with viral conjunctivitis. Contagious conjunctivitis can establish in association with a head cold, sore throat or an ear infection, however it can also take place by itself. One eye is commonly affected at first, but the infection normally spreads to both eyes.
Allergies
Children with hay fever or other airborne allergies frequently develop eye symptoms, consisting of a little bloodshot eyes. Simply as allergy-triggering substances in the air enter the nose and cause nasal symptoms, those very same substances can enter the eyes and provoke an irritating allergic reaction. Airborne pollen, mold spores, animal dander and allergen debris are common triggers for allergy-related eye symptoms — a condition called ocular allergic reaction or allergic conjunctivitis. Children with ocular allergic reactions generally experience synchronised nasal allergic reaction symptoms, including sneezing, stuffiness and a runny nose. Eye rubbing due to itching is likewise common. You may see dark circles under your child’s eyes, commonly called allergic black eyes.
See also: How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious in Children and Adults?
Irritants
Chemical or physical irritants might be to blame for your child’s bloodshot eyes. Typical offenders consist of chlorine from a pool, smoke, chemical fumes, strong fragrances, high wind, and cold or dry air. Reflection of brilliant sunshine off water or snow can likewise irritate your child’s eyes, leading to a bloodshot look. If your child uses contact lenses, overuse or level of sensitivity to cleaning or moistening solutions are possible offenders. Dust or dirt that enters into the eyes can cause physical inflammation and redness. Rubbing the eyes in this scenario may scratch the surface area of the eye, causing further irritation and discomfort.
Other Causes
Seldom, bloodshot eyes in a child signal a possibly serious systemic disease or eye condition. For instance, Kawasaki disease causes prevalent swelling of the blood vessels of the body, which can manifest as bloodshot eyes together with reddened lips, palms and soles. Measles, chickenpox and fifth disease are other examples of childhood illnesses that can cause eye inflammation, along with a rash, fever and other symptoms.
Eye conditions that cause redness or bloodshot eyes take place more commonly in adults than children. Nevertheless, children are sometimes impacted. For example, an inflammatory eye condition called uveitis might initially concern a parent’s or healthcare provider’s attention due to eye soreness and pain. Light sensitivity is also generally present. Uveitis often occurs in combination with another illness, such as juvenile arthritis and particular types of kidney disease. Other inflammatory conditions of the eye called episcleritis and scleritis likewise rarely impact children and might result in symptoms similar to conjunctivitis.
Also read: Free Eye Examination (Check-up) for Children and Adults
Bloodshot Eyes Treatment, Warnings and Precautions
Although numerous conditions related to bloodshot eyes in children are not severe, it’s essential to call your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and start suitable treatment. Therapy depends on the underlying cause. For example, antibiotic ointment or eye drops are normally recommended for bacterial conjunctivitis. Antihistamines and artificial tears are frequently recommended for allergic conjunctivitis. A cool washcloth over the eyes can offer temporary relief from eye irritation and discomfort, along with light level of sensitivity. Keep in mind, nevertheless, that infectious conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, so the washcloth has to be laundered prior to reuse.
Urgent medical care is needed if your child has bloodshot eyes accompanied by severe tearing or light level of sensitivity, pus-like eye discharge, fever or rash. Look for emergency situation medical treatment if your child sustains an eye injury, complains of blurred vision or experiences moderate to severe eye pain. Emergency situation care is also required if you think something might be in your child’s eye, or if some kind of chemical has sprinkled into one or both eyes.
My kid is 19 months old and over the last few days I have actually observed his left eye has been bloodshot. It hasn’t been weeping, but the redness has since spread to his eye lid and I observed tonight it starting in the corner (by the duct) of his other eye. It doesn’t look like conjunctivitis as it’s not wept and he doesn’t appear to be itching it or like he has seen it at all. Want to hear if anybody has actually experienced comparable symptoms as i’m unsure whether to take him to see the GP.