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If your eyes are swollen, itching, red, watery, or burning, don’t ignore these symptoms. You may be suffering from eye allergies or have an eye infection. Eye Allergies Eye allergies behave just like other allergies. The body’s immune system overreacts to something that is normally harmless, such as pollen or pet hair. This allergen causes eye cells to release substances that cause blood vessels in the eyes to swell. As a result, eyes become puffy, itchy, red, and watery. Eye allergies always affect both eyes. Eye allergies can be seasonal or occur year round. Allergens found in nature outdoors, such as grass, tree and weed pollens, generally produce seasonal allergies. Indoor allergens such as pet hair, molds, and dust mites, generally produce allergic reactions year round. Although eye allergies can be uncomfortable and disrupt vision, they do not cause permanent harm to the eyes. Treatments include avoidance of the allergen as much as possible, over the counter and prescription medications and eye drops, and allergy shots. Eye Infections What many people think is an eye allergy may actually be an eye infection. The symptoms of eye infections are typically the same as a general eye allergy – watering, itchiness, redness of the eyes and swelling in the eye area. However, where an eye allergy always involves both eyes, eye infections may not. Infected eyes may secrete a thick, creamy discharge and lymph nodes may swell. Treatment of an eye infection includes antibiotic eye drops and eye ointments. Discharge can be removed by bathing the eye with water and a clean washcloth. Eye infections can be highly contagious, so it is important that sufferers wash hands thoroughly after touching the infected eye and applying eye medications. If only one eye is infected, all possible measures should be taken to avoid contact with the healthy eye. Contact with others should be limited and hands should be frequently washed. TLC Eyecare and Laser Centers can eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by eye allergies and eye infections. Some of our treatments even improve vision. If you suffer from itchy, red, watery, or swollen eyes, we can help you. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment. |
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