How To Treat Eye Allergies And Infections
If youre experiencing any of the above symptoms, its important to schedule an appointment with your eye specialist. They can determine the exact cause of the symptoms, as well as screen your eyes for any potential damage. You will then be given the appropriate plan of action, which may include medication and lifestyle changes.
For allergies, the most common treatments include oral antihistamines, topical medications and short-term medications to control inflammation. Youll only need these medications when your symptoms flare-up. Over-the-counter artificial tears are also a helpful solution, as they flush out the eyes and keep them moist.
For infections, the treatment all depends on the type of problem you have. If its a viral infection, it should clear up on its own. Bacterial infections usually require an antibiotic, as do fungal infections. Your ophthalmologist will know the best course of treatment that is least invasive but most effective.
Getting a quick diagnosis is the key to proper treatment and fast healing. If your eyes are showing signs of an infection or allergies, schedule an appointment with Empire Retina Consultants today.
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What Causes The Dark Blue
This is called the allergic shiner when theres swelling of tissue and fluid buildup in and around the eyes, blood starts to pool, darkening the skin and creating dark circles. The allergic shiner is also a common sign of environmental allergies to pollen, dust mites or pet dander, and it can also indicate food allergy.
Tips For Identifying The Food
Tracking what you eat and how it affects your health may help you identify the food that may be causing the reaction. While you may only be experiencing red and puffy eyes now, if it’s a food allergy, more severe symptoms can occur anytime you eat the food. Once the food is identified, treatment includes complete elimination of the food from your diet, which may require careful shopping and label reading, as well as caution when eating out.
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Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes
If your eyes feel dry and irritated in the winter months when there are fewer outdoor allergens, then you may have a form of tear dysfunction known as dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is not an allergic reaction it happens when your eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make go away very quickly.
Many people have dry eye, including about one-third of older adults. Its commonly found in people with eye allergies as well. Symptoms are sometimes worse when its cold or windy outside, after you turn on the heat in your home, or if youre in a dry environment. Some medications, including oral antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-depressants, can cause symptoms.
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.
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How To Tell The Difference Between Dry Eye And Allergies
Dry eye syndrome and ocular allergies are two of the more common eye conditions people deal with each day. Despite their prevalence, it is easy to confuse dry eye symptoms with eye-related allergy symptoms, making it difficult for patients to find consistent relief.
We spoke withTasha J. Schellenberg, OD, a clinical instructor at the Dean McGee Eye Institute/University of Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology, to provide more information on this topic. Dr. Schellenberg specializes in optometry and primary eye care.
What’s Causing Your Itching Teary Eyes
Do your eyes itch after youve been near a cat? Do they puff up or run with tears when pollen is in the air?
Allergies of the eye affect about 20% to 40% of Americans each year and are on the rise. The same inhaled airborne allergenspollens, animal dander, dust mite feces, and moldthat trigger allergic rhinitis can lead to allergic conjunctivitis . Both conditions are IgE-mediated allergic responses. Its not surprising that people with one of these conditions often suffer from the other as well. Some 95% of people with allergic conjunctivitis have allergic rhinitis, according to one estimate.
Allergic conjunctivitis, also called ocular allergy, is predominantly a disease of young adults, as symptoms typically decrease with age. More than half of eye allergies are seasonal the rest are perennial. The symptoms are itchy and red eyes, tearing, edema of the conjunctiva or eyelid, and a mucous discharge. Although it can be uncomfortable, you can rest assured that uncomplicated allergic conjunctivitis is not a threat to vision.
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Why Allergies Make Your Eyes Red And Itchy
Red, swollen, watery and itchy eyes are a telltale sign of allergies especially the seasonal kind. They go along with sneezing. The combination can make you feel like you have a cold or an infection. One of the only ways you may be able to distinguish between allergies and infection, actually, may be the time of year and if you happen to know you have allergies that are triggered then. Otherwise, it might take an eye doctor to tell you what is really going on. This is something that you will want to be sure you understand so that you dont overlook an infection that could become more serious by thinking that it is just allergies.
Blepharitis & Other Eyelid Complications
If your red eye is accompanied by eyelid complications, such as swelling, itchiness, or drooping, it is usually not serious. For example, insect bites can cause swelling and itchiness on the eyelid, which may then impact the eye as well.
If you are unsure of the cause of your inflammation, see a doctor.
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How Do I Get Conjunctivitis
Kids get conjunctivitis for different reasons. Most kids get it from bacteria or viruses. This is called infectious conjunctivitis. Bacteria can be seen only with a powerful microscope, and viruses are even smaller than bacteria! Bacteria live on your skin or in your nose or mouth all the time and you never know it. Most don’t ever bother you, but certain kinds of bacteria can cause infections like conjunctivitis.
Sometimes kids get ear infections when they have conjunctivitis because the same bacteria can cause both problems.
Viruses, like the kind that can give you a cold, can cause conjunctivitis, too. Conjunctivitis is easy to catch just through touching. You can get conjunctivitis by touching the hand of an infected friend who has touched his or her eyes. If you then touch your eyes, the infection can be spread to you. Washing your hands often with warm, soapy water is the best way to avoid being infected with conjunctivitis.
Kids also get conjunctivitis because of allergies or because they get something irritating in their eyes, but these kinds of conjunctivitis are not contagious.
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What Looks Like Pink Eye But Isnt
Other conditions may cause a red or pink eye, such as iritis and uveitis , blepharitis , stye , or chalazion . A foreign body or substance in the eye, or an injury causing damage to the surface of the eye can also cause symptoms. Injuries, exposure to chemicals or other toxic substances, severe pain, or loss of vision should always be evaluated immediately.
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What Are Ocular Allergies
Eye allergies are caused from allergens in the environment, such as ragweed or pet dander. Many types of allergens cant be avoided because they live in the air. You can reduce symptoms by washing your face, rinsing out the eyes, staying indoors on high-pollen days and using allergy medications.
Although they pose little threat to your vision, eye allergies can be incredibly uncomfortable. They generally come and go based on the seasons and include the following symptoms:
How Are Eye Allergies Diagnosed
Eye allergies are best diagnosed by an allergist, someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. Seeing an allergist is particularly important if you have other allergy-related symptoms, such as asthma or eczema.
The allergist will first ask you about your medical history and symptoms, including when they started and how long theyve persisted.
Then theyll perform a skin prick test to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. A skin prick test involves pricking the skin and inserting small amounts of suspected allergens to see if theres an adverse reaction.
A red, swollen bump will indicate an allergic reaction. This helps the allergist identify which allergens youre most sensitive to, allowing them to determine the best course of treatment.
The best way to treat an eye allergy is to avoid the allergen thats causing it. However, this isnt always possible, especially if you have seasonal allergies.
Luckily, numerous different treatments can relieve eye allergy symptoms.
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Q: What Causes Eye Allergies
- A: Many things may cause an allergic reaction. Grass, weed, and tree pollen, as well as dust and pet dander, are among the best-known allergens. Less well known is that it is also possible for a person to be allergic to everyday items such as makeup or perfume, and even contact lenses. Also not well known is that, while it is very common for allergic symptoms to come out immediately upon contact with the allergen, it is also possible for an allergic reaction to present itself as much as four days after original contact with an allergen.
Differentiating Allergy And Dry Eye Symptoms
The main difference in symptoms between dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis is intense itching. While itching may occur with dry eyes, it is usually more intense with allergic conjunctivitis. Any itching associated with a runny nose or watery eyes also is a sign it is related to allergies.
Still, Dr. Schellenberg notes there are many symptoms that overlap between dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis may cause ocular redness, watery eyes, mucus discharge, swelling or puffiness around the eyelids, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light, she says. Itching is also present, and there may be an intense urge to rub the eyes.
Dry eyes have a more varied set of symptoms. The symptoms include scratchy sensation, feeling like something is in the eye, stinging, burning, ocular redness, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, mild itch, blurry vision, and stringy mucus discharge.
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Pink Eye Vs Allergies: Compare Types Of Pink Eye
Pink eye vs. allergies causes | Prevalence | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatments | Risk factors | Prevention | When to see a doctor | FAQs | Resources
Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye, is a common eye condition. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the inside of the eyelid and white part of the eye, causes one or both eyes to appear red or pink. Some types of pink eye are caused by viruses or bacteria and are easily spread to other people, especially among children in daycare centers and schools.
Allergic conjunctivitis is also very common and produces symptoms similar to infectious pink eye. When the eyes come in contact with an allergen, the immune system produces histamines, which are chemicals that help protect against substances the body perceives to be harmful. Unlike infectious forms of pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis isnt contagious and is often accompanied by symptoms of hay fever.
So do you have allergies or pink eye? Compare the causes and symptoms of allergic and infectious pink eye to determine the best treatment.
How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious For
It depends on the strain of virus or bacteria that caused it.
“Most viruses are contagious for one week, though some can be contagious for up to two weeks,” Dr. Karakus says. “While symptoms usually subside in three to four days, be careful for a full week because there is a chance you may continue to spread infection.”
Bacterial pink eye doesn’t transmit as easily, typically requiring direct contact. Still, follow the same precautions. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
7 Tips to Prevent Pink Eyeâs Spread
Not only can you pass viral and bacterial pink eye to other people, but if youâre not cautious, you can infect your other eye â or get reinfected after the initial infection has resolved. Hereâs how to put the brakes on transmission, per Dr. Karakus:
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Why Are My Eyes So Dry
While the symptoms may be similar, dry eye and allergies have completely different underlying causes.
In a healthy eye, tears help keep the cornea lubricated and clear. Each tear has three layers an outer, oily layer a middle, watery layer and an inner, mucus layer. With dry eye syndrome, your eyes either do not produce enough tears or the tears produced are inadequate or unstable.
This can occur for many reasons, including:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Environmental factors
- Not blinking enough
Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen. The exposure triggers an immune response that causes the release of a chemical, called histamine, that causes swelling and inflammation.
The following are common allergens that can cause eye allergies:
In some cases, perfume, skin care products, and certain medications can also cause allergic reactions to your eyes.
How To Treat Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies
It is important to note that not all cases of puffy eyes are caused by allergies when seeking treatment, be sure you are treating the appropriate underlying cause. Lack of sleep, aging and diets heavy in salt can all cause swelling in the eye area.
However, when puffiness is caused by allergies, some degree of itching is usually present.
Many allergy sufferers find relief by using OTC products formulated to alleviate the symptoms of allergies in the eye area. Eye drops are a common option and include tear substitutes, antihistamines, and ones that contain mast cell stabilizers.
Tear substitutes help to form a barrier over the eye that protects it from airborne allergens, and helps to flush out potential contact allergens. Antihistamine drops work to reduce swelling and puffiness that have already been initiated by the allergen by blocking histamine receptors. Eye drops that contain mast-cell stabilizers will inhibit mast cells from producing antihistamines, therefore preventing an inflammatory allergic reaction.
Other than eye drops, certain sprays and oral medications can be effective in treating puffy eyes caused by allergies. Studies suggest that liposomal sprays may be as effective as antihistamine eye drops when it comes to alleviating allergy symptoms.
Oral antihistamines may also provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms these medications block the bodys production of histamines and prevent a reaction to the allergen from occurring.
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Otc And Prescription Medicines May Provide Symptom Relief
Making certain lifestyle changes may provide you with some allergy relief, but it might not stop all your symptoms. If you continue to experience itchy, red eyes, over-the-counter medications or prescription medications may be able to help you find relief.
Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamine eyedrops and tablets, often are able to provide relief for mild-to-moderate spring allergies. People who suffer from severe spring allergies or who find OTC medications arent working may need prescription medication.
There are several different types of prescription medications that can help reduce or eliminate any symptoms you experience from spring allergies. Common prescription medications include strong antihistamines that are available in eyedrops or tablets, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
An optometrist, such as Dr. Stein, can help you find the right OTC and prescription medication that will help you find relief from red, itchy eyes caused by allergies.
Other Ways To Reduce Symptoms
- Wear sunglasses when you go outside. They’ll block some of the pollen and other outdoor allergens from getting into your eyes.
- Rinse your eyes with preservative-free saline water or apply a cold, wet washcloth.
- Use lubricating eye drops to moisten dry eyes and wash out allergens.
- Take out your contact lenses.
- Donât rub your eyes, no matter how much they itch. It will only make the irritation worse.
Call your doctor right away if you develop severe eye pain or vision loss.
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