Oct222025
Pediatric dry eye treatment

Dry Eyes in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Dry eyes aren’t just an adult problem. Children can experience it too, often without anyone noticing. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tear film evaporates too quickly, leading to discomfort. This condition is more common than many parents realise. Recent research suggests that around 23.7% of children worldwide have some form of dry eye. In India, approximately 6–8% of children show signs of this condition.

Dry eyes in children can cause a gritty, burning sensation, redness, watering, and even blurred vision if left untreated. Recognising it early can save your child from irritation and help them see comfortably both at school and during playtime.

What Causes Dry Eyes in Children?

Several factors can disrupt the tear film in children. Common causes include:

1. Prolonged Screen Time

Kids today spend hours on computers, tablets, and phones. Extended screen use reduces blinking, causing tears to evaporate faster. Studies show that more than 3–3.5 hours of daily screen time significantly increases the risk of dry eyes in children. Limiting screen time to under 3 hours and following the “20-20-20” rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help prevent dryness.

2. Environmental Factors

Dry, windy, or air-conditioned environments can accelerate tear evaporation. Smoke, dust, pollution, and even low indoor humidity can irritate the eyes and contribute to dryness.

3. Allergies and Irritants

Seasonal allergies (pollen, pet dander) or irritants like smoke and chemical fumes can inflame the eyes and disrupt tear production. Children who rub itchy eyes may develop dry spots on the surface.

4. Eyelid and Gland Issues

Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can affect tear quality. The meibomian glands produce the oily layer of tears, which slows evaporation. If these glands are blocked, tears become unstable. One Indian study found MGD in about half of pediatric dry eye cases.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Vitamin A deficiency, though rare in developed areas, can affect tear production and overall eye health. Undernourished children may be at higher risk.

6. Medications or Health Conditions

Some medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can reduce tear production. Severe illnesses like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or autoimmune conditions (e.g., juvenile arthritis) may also impair tear glands, although these are uncommon in young children.

Understanding these causes can help parents make simple lifestyle changes, like reducing screen time or using a humidifier to protect a child’s tear film before medical treatment becomes necessary.

Symptoms Parents Should Watch For

Children may not describe their discomfort clearly, so watch for these signs:

  • Redness or Irritation: Eyes may appear red or sore. Children might describe a scratchy, “sand-in-the-eye” feeling.
  • Frequent Blinking or Rubbing: Excessive blinking or rubbing, especially after reading or screen time, may indicate dryness.
  • Burning or Itching: Complaints of stinging, burning, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.
  • Excessive Tearing (Watery Eyes): Dry eyes can paradoxically cause reflex watering.
  • Light Sensitivity or Blurry Vision: Squinting, sensitivity to bright light, or difficulty focusing may be present.
  • Eye Fatigue: Eyes may feel tired or heavy after screen use or reading.

If multiple symptoms appear together, consult an eye doctor early to prevent more serious issues.

Diagnosis: How Paediatric Dry Eye Is Identified

Because children may not articulate discomfort well, a detailed eye exam is essential. A paediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist typically:

  • Takes a History: Discusses symptoms, screen habits, allergies, and any systemic health conditions.
  • Examines the Eyes: Inspects eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva for inflammation or redness.
  • Performs Tear Function Tests: Measures tear production with tests like Schirmer’s test or Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT).
  • Uses Corneal Staining: Dyes like fluorescein or lissamine green reveal dry patches on the cornea.
  • Administers Questionnaires: Older children may answer dry eye questionnaires to assess symptoms.

These evaluations help confirm dry eye and rule out other causes, such as infection or allergy.

Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on symptom relief and addressing the underlying cause. Doctors tailor therapy to a child’s age and condition, often including:

  • Artificial Tears: Preservative-free, child-friendly lubricating drops hydrate the eyes and flush out irritants.
  • Warm Compresses & Lid Hygiene: Applying a warm cloth over closed eyes and gently massaging eyelids helps unclog oil glands. Daily lid cleaning is recommended.
  • Screen-Time Management: Follow the 20-20-20 rule and set daily limits on device use.
  • Environmental Adjustments: Use cool-mist humidifiers, avoid direct fans, and wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
  • Nutrition & Hydration: Encourage water intake and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Treat Allergies or Inflammation: Gentle anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed if needed.
  • Speciality Treatments: In stubborn cases, punctal plugs or nighttime ointments may be used. Advanced treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are rarely needed in young children.

Conservative measures are usually the first line of treatment. Always follow the doctor’s instructions for safe and effective care.

How We Treat Dry Eyes in Children at Maxivision Eye Hospitals

At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, our “Little Eyes” program provides gentle, child-friendly pediatric eye care. Our specialists create a safe, comfortable environment, helping children feel at ease during examinations and treatments.

Treatment begins with a thorough age-appropriate eye exam to identify the cause of dry eye. Based on the diagnosis, we create a personalised plan, including:

  • Preservative-free artificial tears
  • Warm compress and eyelid hygiene routines
  • Screen break strategies and blinking exercises
  • Nutritional guidance to support tear health

Our approach combines advanced therapy with education for parents and children, ensuring long-term eye health and comfort.

Prevention Tips

Preventing a dry eye is easier than treating it. Parents can help with:

  • Encourage Regular Blinking: Especially during screen use.
  • Apply the 20-20-20 Rule: Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen time.
  • Control Environment: Use humidifiers, avoid direct airflow, and ensure proper ventilation.
  • Protect Eyes Outdoors: Use wraparound sunglasses and hats.
  • Balanced Diet: Include omega-3s, vitamin A, and plenty of water.
  • Limit Irritants: Avoid smoke, aerosols, and allergens.
  • Screen-Time Limits: Encourage outdoor play and distance-focused activities.
  • Good Eye Hygiene: Teach gentle face and eyelid washing; keep glasses clean.

These habits help maintain healthy tears and reduce dry eye risk.

FAQs for Parents

Rarely. Infant tear glands are usually healthy. However, conditions like neonatal conjunctivitis or vitamin A deficiency can cause dry-eye symptoms.

Allergies cause itching and redness, while dry eye feels gritty or sore. Reflex watering can occur in both. Observe patterns and consult a pediatric ophthalmologist for clarity.

Early-stage dry eye mainly causes discomfort. Untreated, it may lead to chronic irritation or mild corneal damage. Early treatment prevents complications.

Use preservative-free drops formulated for children. Avoid adult “redness relief” drops for chronic use. Always follow the doctor’s recommendations.

If home remedies don’t relieve symptoms, if redness persists, or if vision is affected. Early evaluation ensures prompt care and prevents complications.

Conclusion

At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, we recognise that dry eyes in children are increasingly common due to screen time and modern lifestyles. With timely care and lifestyle adjustments, most children experience complete relief and long-term comfort.

Parents should watch for early signs of redness, rubbing, blinking, or burning. Lifestyle measures like reducing screen time, encouraging outdoor play, maintaining hydration, and using humidifiers play a vital role.

Our paediatric specialists combine advanced therapies, personalised care, and family education to ensure children’s eyes remain healthy, bright, and ready to explore the world confidently. At Maxivision, we don’t just treat symptoms; we protect young eyes for a lifetime.