Swollen eyes in children can be caused by infections, allergies, environmental irritants, blocked tear ducts, or eyelid gland blockages. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact or shared items. Symptoms include puffy, red, and itchy eyes, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics for bacterial infections. If symptoms persist, a pediatrician or eye doctor should be consulted.
Common causes of swollen eyes in a child include viral or bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis and allergies. Puffy eyes that occur immediately after delivery may be related to the pressure placed on the baby’s face during the delivery process. This is very common when babies are delivered vaginally, although less common in babies delivered by cesarean section.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can occur at any time and is very contagious. Older children who are infected can easily pass pink eye directly to a child, for example, and it can also be transmitted through washcloths, towels or bedding. Environmental irritants, such as household cleaners, laundry soaps, and perfumes, can also cause your child’s eyes to swell.
While puffy eyes are a common symptom of pink eye in a child, this is rarely the only indicator of the condition. Your child may also have red, irritated, or bloodshot eyes, excessive tearing, watery discharge, and deep itching. Also, crusting on the eyelids and sensitivity to light are common. Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis includes antibiotics, but if the condition is related to a viral infection, this medication won’t be effective.
The appearance of puffy eyes in a child may seem disturbing, but it’s usually not serious. Bloating can simply be a result of crying, in many cases. After a baby is born, eye drops are placed in their eyes to help prevent infection. These eye drops can burn, but are usually harmless. If caused by the drops, swelling should go away in a day or two.
Sometimes, eye swelling can be caused by a blocked tear duct. This condition prevents tears from draining and can also make the eye look swollen and stuffy. Blocked eyelid glands can also cause swollen eyes in babies, as well as a stye. These blockages usually clear up on their own, but if the problem persists, a minor procedure using a tube can be used to relieve the blockage.
Because babies are unable to make their needs known, parents and caregivers should be on the lookout for excessive eye rubbing which could indicate eye irritation. If symptoms persist, your child should be seen by a pediatrician to determine the cause of the problem. Your doctor may refer your child to an eye doctor who may recommend further tests to determine the cause. In rare cases, your child may be found to have a corneal abrasion, caused by scratching the cornea with a fingernail or other object.
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