When You Should Visit The Doctor
Most of the things that cause you to have red eyes are not serious. But your red eyes may require medical attention if you have experienced:
- A recent head or eye injury.
- Vision loss.
- Recent surgery to the eye.
- A history of chronic pain.
- An injury caused by chemical contact.
- Crust or mucus around the eyes that is yellow or green in color.
You should contact your doctor if your red eyes persist for a week. Autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and ulcerative colitis, may set off uveitis. Infections, such as syphilis, AIDS, tuberculosis, and herpes zoster, can also trigger this condition.
How Do I Know If I Have Eye Allergies
Eye allergies develop when the body overreacts to something in its environment. Eye allergies share symptoms with some ocular diseases, making an accurate diagnosis critical.
If you are experiencing eye allergy symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor for a thorough examination of your ocular health. Your eye doctor will use specialized tools to detect the presence of allergies.
With the use of a special microscope, your eye doctor will be able to detect the cause of any redness or swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
Treatment For Bacterial Or Viral Conjuntivitis
Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, usually is treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment. Other infectious forms, caused by viruses, can’t be treated with antibiotics. They must be fought off by your body’s immune system. But some antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections from developing. Artificial tears and warm compresses may help keep the eye comfortable while viral conjunctivitis runs its course.
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Spring Symptoms: 7 Ways To Soothe Eye Allergies
Spring is just around the corner, and the change in season promises fairer weather and new beginnings. Unfortunately, the new growth of spring can also create seasonal allergies that leave you with congestion, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes.
To combat seasonal eye allergies, you must have a dual focus on both prevention and treatment for symptoms. Use these seven methods to soothe your eye irritations related to allergies.
How Can You Avoid Eye Problems
You can minimize your risks for both eye allergies and infections. Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Either way, its easily spread.
You can minimize your risks for both eye allergies and infections. Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies.
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Either way, its easily spread.
Frequent hand washing is just one way to help prevent pink eye and other contagious diseases. Taking care with makeup and contact lenses also helps prevent bacterial pink eye from spreading.
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Nosh On Berries To Fight Histamine Release
A flavonoid called quercetin which is present in blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries and which gives them their trademark color can stop your body from producing and releasing histamine. One study even found that when people took a quercetin glycoside 4 weeks before pollen counts became high in the atmosphere, they experienced relief from symptoms such as itching and watering of the eyes caused by cedar pollen.12 So start snacking on yummy berries before pollen season gets here to beat your eye allergy.13
If You Arent Sure About Your Eye Symptoms
First of all, dont panic. If your eye allergy symptoms are not accompanied by the main symptoms of coronavirus , try treating your allergy symptoms as you usually do. If you are still concerned about your eye symptoms, call Dr. Beeve’s office.
If your eye allergy symptoms do include any of the coronavirus symptoms mentioned above, call your healthcare provider right away for medical adviceespecially if you have breathing issues, chest pain or pressure, or fever.
Finally, remember these very important steps for taking care of your eyes and yourself: wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes or your face.
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Inflammation Of The Cornea Can Also Be Associated With Allergy
The cornea has very few blood vessels , and is seldom involved in an allergic reaction. However, there are a number of causes of small pinpoint defects in the cornea, a condition called epithelial keratitis, which is usually due to drug and chemical exposure, for example:
- Drug toxicity and drug allergy.
- Vernal conjunctivitis.
- Contact sensitivity to topical eye medications such as neomycin, idoxuridine, atropine and derivatives, thiomersal and some topical anaesthetics.
Specific conditions involving the cornea, which are associated with allergy are listed below.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis
- A combined inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, most often associated with atopic dermatitis/eczema.
- Usually results in red, scaly and weeping skin of the eyelids.
- Secondary infection with Staphylococcus aureus is common and may cause infection of the eyelash follicles.
- The conjunctiva may be swollen, red and with a tenacious clear or pus containing discharge.
- The condition can persist for many years and causes severe photophobia, weeping and itching.
- If the photophobia is severe, it can be difficult for people to open their eyes in direct sunlight.
- Conjunctival scarring may occur if the persistent condition is not treated properly.
Keratoconus
- May be associated with the severe form of atopic dermatitis in about 8-10% of sufferers.
- Occurs in children and young adults, even in the absence of steroid therapy.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Antihistamine Pills And Eye Drops
Antihistamine pills and liquids work by blocking histamine to relieve watery, itchy eyes. They include cetirizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , or loratadine , among others. Some may cause drowsiness.
Antihistamine eye drops work well for itchy, watery eyes. You may need to use them several times a day, but donât use the over-the-counter kinds for more than 2-3 days. Prescription kinds include azelastine hydrochloride , cetirizine ophthalmic , emedastine difumarate , levocabastine , and olopatadine .
They are often combined with other kinds of drops, including some that shrink swollen blood vessels in your eye. You shouldnât use these kinds of drops, called or âget the red outâ drops, for more than a few days at a time. They can also lead to a rebound redness if used too frequently. Donât use them at all if you have glaucoma.
Over-the-counter antihistamines include ketotifen fumarate .
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When To Contact A Medical Professional
- You have symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis that do not respond to self-care steps and over-the-counter treatment.
- Your vision is affected.
- You develop eye pain that is severe or becoming worse.
- Your eyelids or the skin around your eyes becomes swollen or red.
- You have a headache in addition to your other symptoms.
Adjust The Electronic Screens
Do your eyes feel uncomfortable when looking at screens? Its their way of telling you they are tired, but it could also be because your screen is too bright! Adjust the brightness of the electronic screens you are using to a suitable level so that your eyes can work with them.
On the other hand, your screen could be too dark. Your eyes will have to try to adjust so that they can see clearly and will get tired quickly.
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What Are The Complications Of Having Red Eyes
Red eyes are not usually due to a serious condition. In cases of conjunctivitis, complications may arise, such as not being able to work or go to school, or having to replace linens and cosmetics daily.
If the red eyes are due to a serious condition such as glaucoma or trauma, treatment must be sought to avoid complications and permanent damage to the eye. For example:
- Infection could spread to other parts of eye and body
- Loss of vision may occur, possibly leading to blindness
- Scarring of the eye
Allergies Or Infection Heres How You Can Tell
Whether ragweed or pet dander is the culprit, allergens affect the eyes in the same way.
Eye infections can come from many causes virus, bacteria, parasite or fungus and the symptoms vary with the cause, but in general, infections have a longer list of symptoms when compared to allergies.
The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, its likely more than allergies.
To get the right treatment, youll need your eye doctor to find out whats behind your eye problem. Eye allergies arent contagious but they can be miserable to deal with. If its an infection, you run the risk of damaging your eye and/or spreading it to others.
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Dog Eye Allergies And Itchy Skin
If your dog has a history of itchy skin, it’s worth mentioning to your veterinarian.
Dogs with itchy skin will more commonly experience allergic conjunctivitis than the general dog population.
Affected dogs are usually under 3 years of age when they first become symptomatic. Although all dog breeds have the potential to develop allergic dermatitis, common breeds with a predisposition for this condition include:
Preservative Free Eye Drops
Preservative-free drops are recommended because they contain fewer additives which can further irritate the eyes. Keep in mind that many of these preservative-free eye drops may only be used for a few weeks after the bottle is opened it is important to follow the directions on the bottle.
In addition, many eye drops come in two forms, single-use preservative free vials and multi-use bottles, with or without preservatives. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Ask your eye doctor what he recommends for your individual needs.
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Allergy Medication Can Help
Some medications that you take to treat hay fever, nasal allergies, runny nose, and throat and sinus problems may also help control eye allergies. Antihistamines and decongestants are available in capsule, pill, and liquid forms. Potential side effects of these medications may include dry eyes and drowsiness. Some kinds of decongestants may make you jittery or dizzy. If you have high blood pressure, certain ingredients in allergy medication may not be safe for you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medications are safe for you.
Meibomian Cysts Or Chalazion
A meibomian cyst is a term used to refer to a swollen upper or lower eyelids. Meibomian cysts are caused by blocked meibomian glands whose function is to hydrate the eyes.
These cysts are painless and vary in size. However, if infected they grow into a red and painful chalazion.
They may disappear on their own but have a tendency to appear again even after months. Before you even think of how to treat then you should seek medical assistance from your GP for prescription antibiotics if the cysts take more than 1 month to go away.
If they are infected, an alternative treatment may involve draining them by having an incision done by a surgeon. Unless you are treated, cysts that grow on eyelids may compromise your eyes such as cellulitis infection.
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Symptoms To Watch For
You may start to have symptoms as soon as the eyes come in contact with the allergen, or you may not have symptoms for two to four days.
Symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Soreness, burning, or pain
- Sensitivity to light
Usually youâll also have other allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy, runny nose and sneezing.
Invest In Bed Bug Proof Bedding
“I also recommend buying allergy and bed bug proof mattress and pillow covers,” says Dr. Prystowsky, “while you can wash your sheets, there isnât much you can do about washing your pillows and mattress. This will make sure you donât become allergic to your bed. No one needs to wake up every morning with bloodshot eyes.”
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Are Red Eyes Contagious
It is believed that the contagiousness of red eyes can occur via eye contact. Basically, the leading reasons for conjunctival irritation will decide if your situation is contagious or not.
For example, red eyes are almost contagious and can spread between people if it is created by viral and bacterial causes. However, red eyes triggered by chemical and allergens irritants are not contagious through person to person contact. In fact, conjunctivitis is known as pink eyes, which is the infection of the eye.
Red eyes do not equal infection! Your eyes can be red because of various reasons that happen in your daily life that will be mentioned right below. Many people choose to go to the nearest drugstore and get themselves lubricating eye drops or to use home remedies for red eyes.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
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Best Budget: Visine Red Eye Comfort Redness Relief Eye Drops
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Can be reapplied every six hours
-
May cause rebound effect
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Doesnt last all day
When you just need quick, fleeting relief from red eyes, you cant beat the original get the red out! brand: Visine. Visines redness relieving drops work right away for a multitude of red-eye causing reasons, whether its screen overuse, fatigue, or exposure to allergens. You can use them up to four times per day, but make sure you only do it for one or two days at a timethese can cause the dreaded rebound effect.
However, its worth noting that while most eye drops containing a vasoconstrictor rely on Naphazoline HCl, Visine uses a different decongestant, Tetrahydrozoline HCl. Theyre both vasoconstrictors, but if you have an allergy to Naphazoline or some other reason for wanting to avoid it, you might appreciate that Visine offers an alternative.
Active Ingredients: Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05 percent | Dosage: 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye up to 4 times a day | Uses: Redness reliever
How To Avoid Swollen Eyelids
Eye problems come in a great number. A swollen eyelid is common among people of all ages. It is uncomfortable and itchy, which in turn affects your self-esteem, focus, and productivity. The good news is that there are effective treatments to weigh in mind.But knowing the cause and symptoms is a good start. While there are different pieces of information online, you have come to the right place! Read on for further details! Are you ready? Take a close look at the following!Symptoms of Swollen Eyelids Swollen eyelids are a common symptom of an infection, allergy, or serious problem. But wait, theres more! The scratchy or itchy sensation is a good example. Light sensitivity is another contributing factor. What else?
- Excess tear production, which leads to watering eyes
- Obstructed vision
- Undergo a Test to Determine if You Have Allergies
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Have An Allergy Plan And Stick To It
The best way to avoid suffering from itchy, swollen eyes, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms is to prevent symptoms before they start. Know your allergy triggers and do your best to avoid them. Do you feel better or worse during certain times of the year? Your doctor can perform allergy testing to identify which substances are irritants for you. You may need a combination of oral medications, nasal sprays, eye drops, and shots to control your eye allergy and allergic symptoms. Ask your doctor how best to control your chronic allergy symptoms and what to do if you have an allergic reaction.
Self-Care Tips
Ask whether home remedies, like applying a cool compress over itchy eyes, will help. Discuss plans for how to treat mild and more severe symptoms with the doctor. Ditch the contact lenses when itchy eyes flare up. Stick to glasses. Follow your doctor’s eye care instructions. Stash moisturizing eyedrops on hand at home and work to treat dry eyes when they occur. Protect your eye health by wearing sunglasses outside. You can manage diseases like eye allergies, asthma, eczema, and other conditions with the right plan.
Indoor Allergy Eye Relief Tips
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What To Do When Allergies Or Infections Strike
Even if you fight the good fight, you may still sometimes need relief from itchy, watery eyes. Depending on your diagnosis, here are treatments that can help.
For allergies: Topical medications are usually better than general allergy remedies for treating eye allergies. Many allergy eye drops are extremely successful in treating symptoms. Some actually work to prevent symptoms by preventing the allergic reaction from getting started.
Your doctor may suggest short-term medications to help control inflammation, such as steroid or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Over-the-counter artificial tears also can help keep eyes moistened and flush out allergens.
For infections: Viral infections generally clear up on their own, but cold compresses and lubricating eye drops can minimize symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial eye infection.
For eye infections caused by fungi and parasites, the medication will depend on whats causing the problem. Your eye doctor can help sort that out.
Getting quick diagnosis and treatment is the key when you have irritated eyes. No matter whats causing the problem, your eye doctor can help you find the right treatment and the relief you need.
