What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Dry Eye in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for dry eye in children, you will usually receive advice on how to care for your child's eyes at home. The healthcare provider may suggest using artificial tears, making lifestyle changes, or adjusting screen time to help ease dryness and discomfort. Follow-up visits might be recommended to check if the treatment is working. If symptoms get worse or new problems appear, you should seek further medical care. Telemedicine helps by making it easier to get advice quickly, but sometimes an in-person visit is needed for a full eye exam or special tests. Remember, this guidance is educational and not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain that does not improve
• Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight
• Redness spreading beyond the white of the eye or yellow/green eye discharge

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of dry eye symptoms
• Providing advice on eye care and lifestyle changes
• Monitoring mild to moderate symptoms over time
• Guidance on use of over-the-counter eye drops

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations requiring specialized equipment
• Diagnosing serious eye infections or injuries
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment
• Treating sudden vision loss or severe eye pain

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will usually give you instructions on how to manage your child's dry eye. This might include using eye drops, keeping the eyes clean, and avoiding things that make dryness worse, like smoke or long screen time. You may also get advice on how to create a comfortable environment, such as using a humidifier or taking breaks during activities that strain the eyes.

Common Treatments for Dry Eye in Children

Treatment often involves using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist. Sometimes, warm compresses or eyelid cleaning can help if there is inflammation. The provider may suggest reducing screen time or wearing protective glasses. These steps usually help improve symptoms over time.

When to Schedule Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits may be scheduled to see how your child's eyes are responding to treatment. These can be done through telemedicine or in person, depending on the situation. If symptoms improve, fewer visits may be needed. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, your provider might recommend an in-person eye exam.

Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention

If your child experiences severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, redness spreading beyond the eye, or discharge that is yellow or green, seek medical care right away. These signs could mean a more serious eye problem that needs urgent treatment.

How to Care for Your Child’s Eyes at Home

Keep your child's hands clean to avoid eye infections. Encourage regular blinking and taking breaks from screens. Use the recommended eye drops as directed. Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can make symptoms worse. Creating a clean, smoke-free environment helps too.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit
• Have a list of your child's symptoms and their duration ready
• Prepare information about any current medications or eye drops your child is using
• Have a device with a camera and microphone set up and tested
• Be ready to describe your child's daily activities and screen time habits

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for eye drops and care
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and note any changes
• Limit screen time and encourage regular breaks for eye rest
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended
• Seek immediate care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur

FAQs

Can dry eye in children go away on its own?

Sometimes mild dry eye symptoms improve with simple care like using artificial tears and reducing screen time. However, ongoing symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Are eye drops safe for children?

Many artificial tear eye drops are safe for children, but it's important to use those recommended by your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.

How long does it take for dry eye treatments to work?

Improvement often happens within days to weeks, but some children may need longer treatment or follow-up care to manage symptoms fully.

Can screen time cause dry eye in children?

Yes, prolonged screen use can reduce blinking and increase eye dryness. Taking regular breaks and limiting screen time can help.

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

If symptoms do not improve with treatment, worsen, or if your child has severe pain, vision changes, or eye discharge, an in-person visit with an eye specialist is important.

Sources

1. Dry Eye Syndrome — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Dry Eye Disease — Mayo Clinic.
3. Dry Eye: Overview — National Library of Medicine.
4. Eye Health Tips for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's eye health, please consult a healthcare professional directly.