Red flags & when to go in person for Dry Eye in Children

Audience: pediatric

Dry eye is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. In children, dry eye can cause discomfort, redness, and blurry vision. Many mild cases can be managed with home care or through telemedicine visits. However, some symptoms may signal a more serious problem that needs an in-person visit to a healthcare provider. This guide helps parents and caregivers recognize when to seek urgent care for a child’s dry eye symptoms. It also explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for dry eye in children, how to prepare for a virtual visit, and what to expect afterward. Always remember, if your child’s symptoms worsen or new problems develop, prompt in-person evaluation is important to protect their eye health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden changes in vision such as blurriness or loss of sight — go to an eye specialist or emergency room.
• Eye redness with discharge, swelling, or fever — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild dry eye symptoms and providing home care advice.
• Monitoring response to treatment for non-urgent cases.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations or diagnostic tests.
• Treating severe eye pain, injury, or sudden vision loss.
• Managing infections or complications requiring immediate intervention.

What is Dry Eye in Children?

Dry eye happens when the eyes don’t stay moist enough. Children may feel itching, burning, or a gritty sensation. Their eyes might look red or watery. Causes include allergies, screen time, certain medications, or environmental factors like dry air.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Typical signs include redness, irritation, frequent blinking, and sensitivity to light. Children might rub their eyes often or complain of blurry vision. These symptoms often improve with simple care like using artificial tears or taking breaks from screens.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms need urgent attention, such as severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, eye discharge, or if the eye looks swollen or injured. Also, if symptoms do not improve with basic treatment or worsen over a few days, an in-person visit is important.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to assess symptoms, suggest home care, and decide if further testing or in-person care is needed. It is useful for follow-up visits and mild cases but cannot replace a full eye exam when serious issues are suspected.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Have your child's medical history ready, note symptoms and when they started, and prepare to describe any treatments tried. Good lighting and a quiet space help the provider see your child's eyes clearly during the video call.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. This may include using eye drops, avoiding irritants, or scheduling an in-person exam. Watch for any new or worsening symptoms and seek emergency care if red flags appear.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and how long they have lasted.
• List any treatments or eye drops already used.
• Ensure good lighting for the video call to show your child's eyes clearly.
• Have your child's medical history and any allergies available.
• Prepare a quiet space with minimal distractions for the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan given by the healthcare provider.
• Use eye drops or medications as directed.
• Limit screen time and avoid environmental irritants like smoke or dust.
• Schedule an in-person follow-up if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care if any red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can dry eye in children go away on its own?

Mild dry eye symptoms often improve with simple care such as using artificial tears, taking breaks from screens, and avoiding irritants. However, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Are there any risks if dry eye is not treated?

If untreated, dry eye can cause discomfort and may lead to eye infections or damage to the surface of the eye. It is important to manage symptoms and seek care if they worsen.

Can allergies cause dry eye in children?

Yes, allergies can cause eye irritation and dryness. Managing allergy symptoms can help reduce dry eye problems.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter eye drops for children?

Some artificial tears are safe for children, but it is best to consult a healthcare provider before using any eye drops to ensure they are appropriate.

When should I take my child to see an eye specialist?

If your child has severe pain, vision changes, eye discharge, swelling, or if symptoms do not improve with treatment, an eye specialist should evaluate them in person.

Sources

1. Dry Eye Syndrome — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Dry Eye Disease — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Disorders in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Dry Eye Disease Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or if you are concerned about their health, seek prompt medical care in person.