What eye drops to use for children: A safe choice and popular science guide
Recently, with the peak eye use in summer and the younger age using electronic products, children's eye health issues have become a hot topic on the Internet. The following are hot data statistics in the past 10 days (as of November 2023):
| Hot search keywords | peak search volume | Associated age groups |
|---|---|---|
| Myopia prevention and control in children | 580,000 times/day | 6-12 years old |
| allergic conjunctivitis | 320,000 times/day | 3-10 years old |
| Artificial tears safety | 240,000 times/day | All ages |
1. Current status of use of eye drops in children
The latest data from the State Food and Drug Administration shows that children’s eye drops only account for 17% of the ophthalmic drug market, but the annual growth rate of demand is 23%. Parents often face three major confusions:
| Question type | Proportion | Typical misunderstandings |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient safety | 42% | Misuse of adult antibiotic eye drops |
| Frequency of use | 35% | Overreliance on artificial tears |
| Judgment of indications | 23% | Confusing infectious and allergic symptoms |
2. Safety Selection Guide
The Ophthalmology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association recommends:
| Symptom type | Recommended medicines | age limit | Maximum daily dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| dry eye syndrome | Preservative-free artificial tears | ≥1 year old | 4 times/day |
| bacterial conjunctivitis | tobramycin eye drops | ≥2 years old | 3 times/day |
| allergic inflammation | Sodium cromoglycate eye drops | ≥3 years old | 2 times/day |
3. Hot questions and answers
Compiled based on online consultation data from pediatricians:
| High frequency problem | Professional answers | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Can I rinse with saline? | Only suitable for foreign body flushing, not a substitute for treatment | Sterile preparations required |
| What is the expiry date after opening the eye drops? | 7 days without preservatives, 30 days with preservatives | Need to be kept refrigerated |
| How to choose between eye ointment and eye drops? | Use drops during the day and eye ointment at night | Avoid using both at the same time |
4. Latest research trends
The 2023 International Ophthalmology Conference announced that new nano-sustained release technology can reduce the frequency of eye drops in children by 50%, and has completed Phase II clinical trials. It is expected to be introduced in China in 2024.
5. Expert advice
Director of the Ophthalmology Department of Beijing Children’s Hospital emphasized:90% of children's ocular surface problems can be prevented by improving eye habits, it is recommended to follow the "20-20-20" rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
Data sources for this article: National Medical Products Administration, Baidu Health Big Data, and Healthy China Action Promotion Committee. Updated: November 2023.
check the details
check the details
en
