House Call Eye Care

March 15, 2012

Itchy Eyes During Allergy Season

Allergy season comes into full bloom as we approach springtime. Ocular symptoms experienced as a reaction to pollen and other allergens include itching, redness, tearing, eyelid swelling and lid redness. These symptoms can easily be confused as an eye infection or “pink eye”. Specific signs noted during an ophthalmic examination help the ophthalmologist determine the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis.

Treatment usually involves topical eye drops. Over-the-counter allergy medications should only be used upon your doctor’s recommendations. Some over-the-counter eye drops that claim to “get the red out” should be avoided because these medications can aggravate eye symptoms and potentially worsen conjunctivitis. In severe cases oral medications may be prescribed to quiet ocular allergic reactions.

Other eye conditions may have a similar presentation of allergic conjunctivitis with redness, irritation, tearing, lid swelling and itching. Dry eyes predominately present with gritty or “sand paper” sensation and often accompanied with reflexive tearing and red eyes. An infectious conjunctivitis or “pink eye” usually has more discomfort and may be associated with a mucous discharge. Infections of the eyelid margins referred to as blepharitis will show signs of crusting on the eyelashes in addition to red, tearing and itchy eyes.

If you suffer from itching eyes seek attention from your ophthalmologist who will rule out the differential diagnoses to provide appropriate treatment for your eye condition.