What To Do When Kids Have Dry Eyes?

Dry Eyes in Kids

Dry eye in kids is often underestimated and goes undiagnosed because kids struggle to communicate their discomfort³. Although dry eye is more common in adults, it is believed the prevalence is rising among kids. Multiple causes contribute to dry eye in kids including the following⁴:

What may be causing my kids’ dry eyes?

• A disorder present from birth
• Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren syndrome, diabetes, and/or thyroid disease
• Common allergies such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, and others
• Air pollution
• Increased screen time

Over time, if dry eyes are left untreated, vision and eye problems may occur.

Screen time and Dry Eyes in Kids:

Using electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles, for online school, gaming, and leisure leads to longer periods of time staring at a screen causing less blinking ultimately leading to dry eye⁵. 

The Canadian Association of Optometrists has stated that too much screen time leads to an increase in dry eye symptoms and Optometrists believe the overall increased usage of digital devices in children (and adults, too) has led to an increase in the prevalence of dry eye¹.

How do I know my kids have dry eyes? 

Symptoms of dry eyes in kids may include: 

• Kids frequently rubbing their eyes because of irritation
• Kids showing discomfort to light 
• Kids eyes may be red and watery 
• Kids may complain that their vision is blurry 
• Kids may have a rough sensation in their eyes as if there’s sand/dirt in the eye 
• Kids may feel like their eyes are stinging or burning

Why should I treat my kids dry eyes? 

Dry eye in kids and teenagers is rising. It causes discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision, leading to less productivity and a decreased quality of life. Also, when left untreated, dry eye may lead to eye infections, inflammation, ulcers, vision impairment, and difficulties with activities such as reading and writing. If symptoms persist or become worse, patients should consult their healthcare provider.

What can I do to treat my kids dry eyes at home? 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology⁴, the Ocular Surface journal⁷, and the Canadian Dry Eye Disease Consensus Panel⁸, the recommendations for kids’ dry eye include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Increasing outdoor time
• Decreasing screen time: The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline. It suggests taking a 20- second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
• Use an indoor humidifier to increase moisture 
• Turn down the thermostat to reduce heat indoors if possible 
• Turn off fans at bedtime

Dietary Changes 

• Stay well hydrated by drinking water 
• Eat more vitamin rich foods (carrots, sweet potato, orange) 
• Eat foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flax seeds)

 Practices that may relieve discomfort 

• Use cleansing solution for eyelids 
• Apply a warm compress over the eye to increase oil produced by glands in the eye 
• Use a lubricating eye drop or artificial tears which may contain sodium hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate has been clinically proven to provide relief from dry eye symptoms by moisturizing, soothing and lubricating the eye⁹

How to give my kid eye drops? 

1. Wash your hands with soap and water – this is to avoid introducing bacteria into your kids already irritated eyes 
2. Distraction is key – play your kids favorite movie, tv show, or song. Then place pillows and position your kid on their back to have them stay still. 
3. Turn single vial upside down a few times to mix contents 
4. Twist top off of single-use vial 
5. Place your hands – place the wrist of the hand you’ll use to give the drops on your kids forehead to keep their head in place 
6. Tell your kid to look up and to the other side 
7. Gently pull lower eyelid and place 1-2 drops 
8. Tell your kid to close their eyes to distribute the liquid evenly 
9. Comfort – once finished, praise your kid for getting through a difficult task 
10. Throw the used vial away – you’ll open a new vial for your kids next dose