# Dry Eye in Children and Infants

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/dry-eye-in-children-and-infants

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-11

> **Summary:** Dry eye is not only a problem of older age: children and babies can be affected too, increasingly because of screen use. It occurs when tear production or tear quality falls, and if left untreated it can affect comfort and quality of vision.

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## What is Dry Eye in Children and Infants?
Tears spread over the eye surface with blinking, keep it moist and protect the cornea from dust, particles and smoke. Dry eye occurs when tear production decreases or its quality decreases. It is not always easy to recognise in children and infants.

## Symptoms
- Stinging sensation in the eye
- Burning
- Constant need to rub and scratch the eye
- Redness
- Watering
- Blurred vision, difficulty focusing

Any of these symptoms in a child should prompt a visit to a specialist doctor.

## Causes
- Long periods in front of computer, smartphone or tablet screens: blinking drops off markedly and the tear film breaks up sooner
- Not blinking for a long time
- Staying in an environment without moisture for a long time
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
- Prolonged exposure to air conditioning or sitting in front of a radiator
- Genetic factors

## Diagnosis
The eye surface and tear film are examined with a slit lamp; where needed a dye is instilled to make the irritated areas visible. The lid margins are assessed too, because inflammation there can accompany dryness. Allergy, lid inflammation or an uncorrected refractive error can cause similar complaints, so the examination covers those as well.

## Treatment
- Eye drops: artificial tears ease the symptoms; which drop and how often is decided by the doctor. Preservative-free drops may be preferred when frequent use is needed.
- Limiting screen time and taking breaks to look into the distance
- Air humidifiers; keeping the room from getting too dry
- Punctum plug insertion into the tear duct

## What Can Be Done at Home
Rubbing the eye increases irritation, so the child should avoid it. If symptoms continue despite drops, or redness and discomfort in light are added, a further examination is needed.

## References
- Prevalence of dry eye disease among children: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Zou Y et al., BMJ Open Ophthalmology
- Expert consensus on pediatric dry eye: Insights from a European Delphi study, Villani E et al., The Ocular Surface
- Dry Eye, National Eye Institute