Why Kids Rub Their Eyes — and What It Could Mean

If you’ve noticed your child rubbing their eyes more than usual, there could be several reasons behind it. One of the most common causes is seasonal allergies, which can make eyes feel itchy or irritated. If there's also redness and/or discharge, your child may be dealing with an eye infection that needs treatment. In these cases, it’s best to start by checking in with your pediatrician—who may then refer you to a pediatric eye specialist for further care.

Sometimes, though, eye rubbing isn’t due to allergies or infection at all. Extended screen time can cause children to blink less often, leading to dryness and discomfort. This dryness can make kids rub their eyes without realizing it.

If your child’s eyes are not red and there’s no discharge, using a gentle, over-the-counter lubricant like Refresh or Systane can help relieve dryness. However, it’s important to avoid Visine or similar “redness relief” drops, as these can cause rebound redness and aren’t recommended for children or adults.

If eye rubbing continues or you’re unsure what’s causing it, schedule an exam with a pediatric ophthalmologist. They can determine whether your child’s symptoms are related to allergies, dryness, or something more serious, and recommend the best next steps to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable.