Can Eyemo (Artificial Tears) Eye Drops Be Given to Children Under 5?
Yes, artificial tears can be safely given to children under 5 years of age, with preservative-free formulations being the preferred choice. 1, 2
Recommended Approach for Children Under 5
First-Line Treatment
- Use preservative-free artificial tears containing hydroxypropyl-guar or hyaluronate, applied 2-4 times daily. 2
- Preservative-free formulations are essential in young children to prevent additional irritation and allergic contact dermatitis that preserved products can cause. 2, 3
- Higher hyaluronate percentages offer greater therapeutic efficacy for more severe dryness. 1
Special Considerations for This Age Group
- Children under 7 years require special attention because they have limited ability to communicate symptoms and are at risk for interference with normal ocular development. 2
- For children under 7 years, lubricants should only be recommended following discussion with ophthalmology if there are any concerns about severity or response to treatment. 1
- Early ophthalmology consultation (within 4 weeks) is warranted if symptoms persist beyond initial lubricant therapy or if the child appears to have moderate-to-severe symptoms. 2
Critical Safety Points
What to Avoid
- Never use preserved artificial tears in children requiring frequent dosing - preservatives like benzalkonium chloride can cause toxicity and worsen ocular surface disease. 2, 3
- Avoid topical corticosteroids without ophthalmology supervision, as they can cause serious complications including glaucoma, cataracts, and rebound inflammation. 2
- Do not add antihistamine eye drops without ophthalmology guidance in children under 7 years, as evidence for benefit is very limited in this age group and should not delay specialist referral. 2
When to Escalate Care
- Refer to ophthalmology within 4 weeks if the child does not respond to preservative-free lubricants alone. 2
- Seek urgent ophthalmology assessment if severe symptoms develop including marked redness, significant discharge, photophobia, or any concern about vision changes. 2
- Do not delay ophthalmology referral if symptoms worsen or fail to improve within one month of consistent lubricant use. 2
General Safety Profile
- Artificial tears are generally safe and effective in pediatric populations when preservative-free formulations are selected. 3, 4
- Physicians should evaluate risks and benefits before initiating treatment, establish minimum dosages necessary to achieve therapeutic benefit, and monitor children for local and systemic side effects. 5