Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Eye Allergies in Children

Eye allergies are allergic reactions that affect the surface of the eyes. They commonly cause itching, redness, watering and swelling, often in both eyes.

Pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander and other airborne allergens can trigger eye allergies. Contact with cosmetics, eye drops or other substances can also cause allergic irritation.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Eye Allergies in Children

The AAP guide below explains how allergies differ from infection, what can ease symptoms and when your child’s eyes should be checked.

AAP Symptom CheckerEye allergies

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerEye allergies New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Only one eye has severe symptoms.
  • Your child develops pus-like discharge, significant pain or swelling.
  • Vision changes or light sensitivity develops.
  • Symptoms do not improve with your child’s usual allergy plan.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or another serious eye emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on eyes

See all 164 symptoms