Our eyes are the windows to our soul. We use them to smile, cry and to take in the things play an important role in our daily lives. Because they are very delicate and can be easily injured or damaged, we should treat them with care and be aware of the environment that we are exposing them to. Let’s start with what to do if there’s something in a child’s eye.
What Do I Do if My Child Gets Something in Their Eye?
If you think there may be something in your child’s eye, the first thing to do is ask how it got there and what they were doing. This will help a parent decide if medical attention is warranted. In most situations, rinsing the eye with water or saline solution is all that’s needed. If that doesn’t help, parents should be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms:
- Swelling of the eye or around the eye
- Constant watering of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Stinging or burning
- Blurred vision
- Constant pain
When Should I Seek Medical Attention for an Eye Injury?
If any of the above occurs, the parent should reach out to a medical professional, and if possible, one who specializes in eye injuries, like Hospitality ER. If a child is hit in the eye with an object such as a ball or a helmet, the parent should seek immediate medical attention. While coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and getting soap or shampoo in the eyes can cause irritations such as swelling, redness, and itching, usually these will go away on their own and do not cause damage to a person’s vision.
Additionally, it can be possible that when something gets stuck in your kid’s eye, it can worsen and grow increasingly worse. Monitor it, ask them how they’re feeling, and seek medical help if you are ever unsure. All medical professionals are here to help and want you and your kiddo to feel at ease with your health.
What Are Common Pediatric Eye Problems?
Eye diseases, injuries, and disorders, are all common. It’s important to familiarize yourself with common problems that could impact your children’s eyes and eyesight. If any of these seem very familiar to you and your child could potentially be experiencing this, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or an ophthalmologist.
Amblyopia (Commonly Known as Lazy Eye)
One or both of the eyes do not develop vision normally.
Astigmatism, Farsightedness, Nearsightedness
These are very common among children of all ages. These can be caused by abnormalities in your eye’s surface, which can make seeing near or far more challenging.
Cataract
If your child’s eye is cloudy and/or opaque where the eye should be clear, they could be dealing with a cataract. Although these are likely associated with older individuals, it can affect your children as well, or even as an infant (Pediatric Cataract).
Epiphora
This is the medical term for “excessive tears”. Essentially, if a child’s eyes are tearing at an abnormal rate, their tear system could be blocked.
Along with these, there are other eye problems that can be developed at a younger age. Visual impairment, developmental abnormalities, double vision, and genetic eye diseases.
Ways to combat these problems early on would be to have an annual eye exam. Hopefully you and your child will be able to combat any early symptoms and/or treat the symptoms as they arrive. Find an eye doctor near you.
What Can I Do to Help My Child?
Just remember that the eyes are very delicate and can be irritated or injured from doing normal daily activities. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so if your child has some eye irritation, do the following:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
- Lean the child’s head over a sink
- Pull down the lower lid very gently
- Run or pour warm water over the eye for 5 to 15 minutes
- Check the eyes every few minutes to see if the irritants are gone
If this does not work, reach out to your local emergency room or clinic for medical attention. For all serious eye injuries, be sure to seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
What Are Some Common Eye Injuries?
- Corneal abrasions or scratched eye
- Traumatic iritis
- Penetrating object in the eye
- Chemical burn
- Black eyes
The most common eye injury in children is a corneal abrasion (or a scratch in the eye), which can
be the result of getting things like dirt, grass, glitter, chalk, or sand in the eyes. It can be painful, but usually doesn’t cause any long-term damage. However, children can also injure their eyes while playing sports, riding a bike, working on crafts, and playing outside. A child’s first reaction when something gets in their eye is to rub it, which can be even more damaging.
Always remember to talk to your kids about eye safety, especially before doing certain activities such as playing sports or swimming. Feel free to check out our previous post about how to prevent eye injuries!
Looking for a pediatrician open late to treat an eye injury or any other medical emergency? Walk in to our ER center in Tyler, Texas. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates on Hospitality Health ER and exciting giveaways.
