While dry eye disease is usually associated with adults, a growing number of children are now experiencing symptoms related to tear film instability. The combination of digital screen exposure, environmental factors, and even meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) makes dry eyes in children more common than most parents realize.

 

Understanding the signs and causes of dry eye in children is essential to protect long-term eye health and comfort.

 

Below, we explore why children develop dry eyes, how to recognize symptoms of dry eyes, and the most effective ways to treat and prevent this increasingly frequent condition.

 

Can Children Develop Dry Eyes?

 

How common is pediatric dry eye?

 

Although many parents assume dry eye disease only affects adults, dry eye in children is becoming more prevalent. Increased screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and environmental dryness all contribute to tear film instability in younger populations.

 

Even children as young as five may show signs of dry eyes, especially if they spend long hours on tablets, computers, or smartphones.

 

Why dry eyes can occur even at a young age?

 

Children naturally blink less during activities requiring intense focus, such as reading, drawing, or gaming. A reduced blink rate affects the distribution of tears across the ocular surface, making them evaporate faster.

 

But dry eyes in children are not only linked to digital screens. Causes can include:

• Atopic conditions
• Eyelid inflammation
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
• Environmental dryness (air conditioning, heating, wind)
• Systemic conditions or medications

 

Because symptoms of dry eye may be subtle or misinterpreted as behavioral issues (fatigue, irritability), pediatric dry eye often goes unnoticed without proper evaluation.

 

What Causes Dry Eyes in Children?

 

Digital screen exposure and reduced blinking

 

Children blink up to 60% less when using a screen. Fewer blinks mean the tear film evaporates faster, contributing to chronic eye dryness, irritation, and burning sensations.

 

High screen exposure is currently one of the leading causes of dry eyes in children.

 

Allergies, eczema & inflammatory conditions

 

Seasonal allergies and conditions like eczema or asthma can cause inflammation of the ocular surface. Allergic conjunctivitis also leads to rubbing of the eyes, further destabilizing the tear film and worsening symptoms of dry eye.

 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in children

 

MGD is not limited to adults. Some children naturally produce thicker or poor-quality oils, leading to gland blockage. Other triggers include:

• Frequent eye rubbing
• Blepharitis
• Acne or early hormonal changes
• Long-term screen use

 

Because Meibomian glands are responsible for the lipid layer of tears, any dysfunction increases evaporation and leads to evaporative dry eye.

 

Environmental and lifestyle contributors

 

Indoor environments with heating or air conditioning can dry the air and accelerate tear evaporation. Exposure to wind or pollution also plays a role.

 

Lack of outdoor activity — a common issue with increasing screen dependence — is another risk factor, as natural light exposure is beneficial for overall eye health.

 

Medical causes

 

Although less common, some medical factors may cause dry eye in children:

• Autoimmune conditions (juvenile arthritis, thyroid disorders)
• Medications such as antihistamines, acne treatments, or ADHD stimulants
• Nutritional deficiencies (especially omega-3s)

 

While rare, these causes require evaluation by a specialist to avoid long-term effects.

 

Symptoms of Dry Eyes in Children

 

Common symptoms parents should watch for

 

Children cannot always express eye discomfort clearly. They may not say “my eyes are dry,” but display subtle signs such as:

 

• Redness or bloodshot eyes
• Frequent blinking or squinting
• Rubbing the eyes throughout the day
• Excessive tearing (a paradoxical dry eye symptom)
• Complaints of blurry or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light

 

These signs may appear after school, after reading, or after long hours on screens.

 

Behavioral signs

 

Behavior is often more telling than verbal descriptions. Some signs include:

 

• Frequent rubbing or blinking
• Avoiding reading or homework
• Complaints of tired eyes
• Difficulty concentrating on screens
• Holding books or devices very close

 

Behavioral clues often appear before the child understands they have dry eyes.

 

Diagnosis: When to See a Specialist

 

What happens during a pediatric dry eye examination?

 

If you suspect your child has dry eyes, consulting a dry eye specialist is essential. Pediatric assessments are gentle and adapted to young patients.

 

The specialist may perform:

• Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) to measure tear stability
• Meibography to visualize meibomian gland structure
• Measurement of tear meniscus height to assess tear quality
• Blinking analysis to identify incomplete blinking
• Eyelid margin examination to detect MGD or blepharitis

 

These tests help identify whether the issue stems from poor tear production or excessive evaporation.

 

Early detection to prevent chronic dry eye

 

Early diagnosis is essential. When pediatric dry eye is identified early, simple measures can prevent long-lasting inflammation and gland damage. Untreated MGD in children can persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of chronic dry eye disease. A specialist provides personalized care before symptoms become severe or recurrent.

 

How to Treat Dry Eyes in Children

 

First-line at-home solutions

 

Basic treatments often provide significant relief and help strengthen the tear film. Parents can start with a few effective measures:

 

Daily habits include applying lubricating eye drops designed for children, encouraging regular blinking during screen use, and maintaining adequate hydration.

 

Useful at-home measures include:

• Preservative-free artificial tears: Hydrate and stabilize the tear film several times a day.
• Warm mask: Gently heat the eyelids to soften oils and prevent gland blockage.
• Balanced screen habits: Using timed breaks to reduce digital strain.
• Humidifiers: Keeping indoor air moist.

 

These simple steps support the tear film and reduce day-to-day discomfort.

 

Managing allergies and inflammation

 

For children with allergies or inflammatory conditions, managing ocular inflammation is essential. Treating the underlying cause helps prevent flare-ups.

 

Supportive measures include:

• Eye drops: Reduce itching and rubbing.
• Cool compresses: Calm irritated eyelids during pollen season.
• Avoiding known triggers: Such as pollen-heavy environments.

 

A specialist may also prescribe medication if symptoms are persistent.

 

Is IPL recommended for children?

 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is widely used in adults for MGD, but in children, its use remains limited. Because pediatric skin and ocular tissues are more delicate, IPL is generally not the first-line treatment for children.

 

However, in exceptional cases where older teenagers have severe, documented MGD unresponsive to other therapies, some specialists may consider IPL under strict medical supervision. The priority is always safety, and most cases improve with non-invasive treatments for children.

 

Preventing Dry Eyes in Children

 

Prevention plays a major role in reducing the risk of dry eyes, especially in a world where screens and indoor environments dominate daily routines. Establishing healthy habits early helps protect their tear film, eyelid glands, and overall visual comfort.

 

Screen time guidelines and blink training

 

Screens are one of the main triggers for pediatric dry eye. Children blink less when concentrating, which increases tear evaporation. A simple method can help:

The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This short pause relaxes the eyes and encourages natural blinking.

 

Parents can also teach blinking exercises during screen use. Asking a child to blink fully a few times when switching tasks helps restore moisture to the ocular surface.

 

Outdoor time & environment control

 

Spending more time outdoors reduces reliance on screens and promotes healthier blinking patterns. When outside, children should wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield their eyes from:

• Bright sunlight
• Wind
• Dust and airborne particles

 

At home, environmental adjustments can also help:

• Avoid direct airflow from fans or heaters
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms
• Reduce exposure to smoke or polluted indoor air

 

These simple changes reduce tear evaporation and make the environment more eye-friendly.