Children often rub their eyes, and parents will certainly stop them immediately. But have you ever considered that a child rubbing their eyes might be telling us that something is wrong with their eyes? Young children may not have sufficient expressive ability to accurately describe discomfort, mostly only being able to indicate itching or pain, thus parents may not realise the severity, or it may lead to delayed medical attention. Paediatrician Dr. Chan Yan-wing stated that if not treated in time, other allergic symptoms may arise: "As the nose and eyes are connected, allergens may lead to rhinitis, causing children to experience nasal itching, congestion or a runny nose. Most children with rhinitis are subsequently found to also suffer from eye allergies." Dr. Chan reminds parents to pay attention to whether their children are experiencing other allergic reactions and seek medical attention as soon as possible if any are found, to avoid the risk of triggering other allergic symptoms.
Excessive eye rubbing can lead to keratoconus. Severe cases may result inInfluenceEyesight
Ocular sensitivity, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is one of the common paediatric diseases, causing symptoms such as itchy eyes, watery eyes, swollen eyelids, and forceful blinking in children. Children with ocular sensitivity are mostly related to their own allergic constitution, among which seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis are more common in children. Seasonal conjunctivitis is mostly related to the four seasons, especially during the transition from spring to summer; as for perennial conjunctivitis, its allergenic principles are related to the home environment, such as bedding, dust mites attached to carpets, and animal hair.
When symptoms of sensitivities arise, children experience unbearable itchy eyes and unconsciously rub them to find relief. However, excessive or forceful rubbing can potentially cause the cornea to become conical. Dr. Chan explains, "If the cornea becomes conical, it weakens the ability to focus, leading to blurry vision, and consequently, a child's eyesight will deteriorate." Dr. Chan suggests that if children experience extreme itching, parents can use cold compress methods, such as applying an ice pack or a cold towel for about five to ten minutes. Using low temperatures causes vasoconstriction, which helps reduce allergic reactions. Conversely, applying a hot egg to the eyes will cause vasodilation, exacerbating the itching sensation.
Desensitisation therapy effectively cures allergic diseases, reducing the incidence of diseases in children.
Current treatments for eye allergies primarily involve prescribing mast cell stabilisers, steroid eye drops, or oral medications. However, if a patient's allergic symptoms recur and affect their quality of life, desensitisation therapy can be considered for a long-term cure. Dr Chan added: "Before undergoing desensitisation therapy, patients need to have a blood test to determine them.Allergy testing"Once the allergen is identified and treated accordingly, the patient's reactions to the allergen can be effectively reduced." In addition to drug treatment, modifying daily habits can also help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as reducing clutter in the home, avoiding the purchase of plush toys, and regularly changing bedding and sheets.
Dr. Chan shared an experience with a five-year-old patient who sought medical attention due to other allergic diseases caused by eye allergies. Following a blood allergen test, the patient was found to be severely allergic to dust mites, leading the doctor to administer sublingual immunotherapy targeting the allergen. During the treatment, the patient's immune system was continuously adjusted, gradually transforming the allergic reaction to dust mites into a normal response. Three years later, the patient's eye and nasal allergy conditions showed significant improvement.
The above information was provided by Dr. Chen Hsin-yung.
Source: Yellowbus (18 May 2023)
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