Are You Noticing Your Child Rubbing Their Eyes or Struggling to Focus?
At Westmead Eyes Optometrists, we commonly see children with symptoms of eye strain, fluctuating vision, or difficulty concentrating on reading tasks.
In many cases, these symptoms are not simply related to glasses – they may be due to dry eye or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
Dry eye in children is often overlooked, yet it can significantly impact comfort, visual performance, and schoolwork.
What causes dry eye in children?
Dry eye in children can be caused by a combination of environmental and underlying factors, including:
- Increased screen use and reduced blinking
- Air-conditioned environments
- Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (poor oil production)
- Allergies
- Skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea
- Certain medications
In many cases, the issue is related to poor oil gland function, which leads to an unstable tear film and fluctuating vision.
What are the symptoms of dry eye in children?
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly. Instead, you may notice:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Complaints of tired, sore, or burning eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision, especially when reading
- Losing place while reading or avoiding near tasks
- Watery eyes (often mistaken for allergies)
- Light sensitivity
- Reduced attention or visual endurance
Dry eye is often missed or misdiagnosed
These symptoms are commonly attributed to:
- The need for glasses
- Attention or concentration issues
- Binocular vision problems
However, in some children, the underlying issue is actually tear film instability or eyelid gland dysfunction.
A targeted assessment is required to identify the true cause.
What can be done for dry eye in children?
Dry eye can be successfully managed, and in many cases we are able to significantly improve both comfort and visual function.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include:
- Warm compresses
- Eyelid hygiene and cleansers
- Lubricating eye drops
- Management of inflammation
- Dietary and lifestyle advice
Most causes of dry eye are longstanding, and treatment plans are often ongoing. Improvement may take several weeks to months depending on severity.
Our dry eye assessment process
We perform a structured assessment to determine the cause of your child’s symptoms. This may include:
- Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire
- Slit Lamp Examination of the eyelids and ocular surface
- Tear film stability testing (NITBUT)
- Assessment of Meibomian gland function
- Use of vital dyes (Fluorescein / Lissamine Green)
- Additional testing where required
For a more detailed overview of our dry eye testing process, please refer to our Dry Eye Treatment page
Advanced treatment options
In cases where standard treatments are not sufficient, we offer additional in-clinic therapies, including:
- Meibomian gland expression
- Blephasteam® eyelid warming therapy
- Prescription medications (if indicated)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
In selected cases, we may recommend IPL using medical-grade systems such as the Lumenis M22 IPL.
IPL is used to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve Meibomian gland function
- Stabilise the tear film
IPL is more commonly used in adults, however it may be considered in children with moderate to severe gland dysfunction where conventional treatments have not been effective.
Further information is available on our IPL Treatment page.
Why early treatment is important
If left untreated, dry eye in children can:
- Affect reading performance and concentration
- Reduce visual comfort
- Lead to progression of Meibomian gland dysfunction over time
Early identification and appropriate management can significantly improve symptoms and long-term outcomes.
Book a dry eye assessment
If your child is experiencing ongoing eye discomfort, fluctuating vision, or difficulty with reading, we can help.
Contact us at (02) 9635 8464 OR 04988 OPTOM or click here to organise an appointment.