Dry eye living in children

Overview

Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are important to keep the eye surface moist, comfortable, and healthy. In children, dry eye can cause irritation and affect their vision and daily activities.

Dry eye is less common in children than in adults, but it is becoming more common due to increased screen use and indoor activities.

Dry eye can affect children of any age, but it is more common in older children and teenagers, especially those who spend a lot of time on computers, tablets, or phones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Redness of the eyes
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling like something is in the eye

Symptoms in children

• Frequent eye rubbing
• Complaints of tired eyes
• Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or reading
• Avoiding activities that require visual focus
• Unusual blinking or squinting

Causes

Main causes

• Too little tear production (due to certain medications, health conditions, or gland problems)
• Tears evaporating too quickly (due to dry air, wind, or prolonged screen use)
• Allergies that cause eye irritation and tear imbalance
• Previous eye surgery or injury (rare in children)

Risk factors

• Prolonged use of digital devices (computers, tablets, smartphones)
• Living in a dry or windy climate
• Having allergies or asthma
• Certain medications, such as some antihistamines or acne treatments
• Wearing contact lenses (in older children)
• Health conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or diabetes (rare in children)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has eye pain, sudden vision changes, or an eye injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child often rubs their eyes
• If they complain of eye discomfort that does not go away
• If their schoolwork or activities are affected
• If they have other health conditions that increase risk

Diagnosis

A doctor or eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will ask about symptoms, habits, and health history. They will examine the eyes with a special microscope (slit lamp) and may perform simple tests to check tear production and quality.

Tests that may be done

• Tear production test (Schirmer test) – a small paper strip is placed under the eyelid to measure tear amount
• Tear breakup time test – measures how quickly tears evaporate
• Eye surface staining – special dye to show damaged areas on the eye
• Questionnaire about symptoms and daily activities

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is not painful. Your child may feel a slight tickle from the paper strip or dye. The doctor will explain the findings and suggest a treatment plan.

Treatment

Treatment for dry eye in children focuses on relieving symptoms, keeping the eyes moist, and addressing the underlying cause. Many cases can be managed with simple home care and over-the-counter eye drops.

Self-care at home

• Encourage your child to take regular breaks from screens (every 20 minutes, look far away for 20 seconds)
• Use a humidifier in the bedroom to add moisture to the air
• Apply a warm, clean compress over closed eyes for a few minutes daily to help oil glands
• Gently clean the eyelids with a warm, damp cloth
• Protect eyes from wind and dry air with wrap-around sunglasses

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, a doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) without preservatives. For more severe cases, they may prescribe eye drops that reduce inflammation or medications that increase tear production. In some children, treatments like punctal plugs (tiny devices placed in tear ducts to keep tears in the eyes) may be considered. Always follow your doctor's advice and do not use any medication without a prescription for your child.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for dry eye in children. It may be considered only if there is a structural problem with the eyelids or tear ducts that other treatments cannot fix.

Living with this condition

Help your child develop healthy screen habits. Remind them to blink often and use lubricating eye drops as recommended. Check that their school setting is comfortable (proper lighting, not too close to air conditioning or heaters). Most children with dry eye can do all their normal activities with a few adjustments.

Lifestyle tips

• Limit screen time and encourage outdoor play
• Keep home air not too dry – use a humidifier if needed
• Teach your child not to rub their eyes
• Use blue-light filters on devices (though this does not treat dry eye, it may reduce eyestrain)

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of water and healthy fats (like from fish, nuts, and seeds) may help eye health. Exercise is good for overall health and can reduce eye strain from screens. There is no special diet to cure dry eye, but staying hydrated is important.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dry eye can be frustrating for children, especially if it affects schoolwork or favorite activities. It may cause embarrassment from eye rubbing or redness. Talk to your child about their feelings and reassure them that this is manageable. If your child seems sad or worried, consider speaking with a school counselor or your doctor.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent dry eye, but you can reduce the risk by encouraging good screen habits, keeping home air humidified, and managing allergies. Regular eye check-ups can help catch problems early.

Screening programmes

Routine eye exams are recommended for all children, especially if they have symptoms or risk factors. No specific screening for dry eye alone is necessary.

Complications

If left untreated

• Inflammation of the eye surface (keratitis)
• Eye infections
• Scratches or sores on the cornea
• Difficulty with vision, affecting learning and development

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most children with dry eye improve significantly and lead normal lives. The condition often gets better with age or changes in habits. Working with your doctor, you can find a routine that keeps your child comfortable and healthy.

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