How are eye allergies diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for eye allergies. How can you prevent eye allergies at home. Which eye drops are best for treating itchy, red eyes.

Understanding Eye Allergies: Causes and Symptoms

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can be a bothersome condition affecting millions of people worldwide. These allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances in the environment, causing inflammation and irritation in the eyes.

Common allergens that trigger eye allergies include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold spores
• Certain cosmetics or perfumes

The most common symptoms of eye allergies include:

• Itchy eyes
• Redness
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Burning sensation
• Sensitivity to light

Diagnosing Eye Allergies: What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of eye allergies. How do ophthalmologists diagnose allergic conjunctivitis? The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history of allergies, and potential triggers.
2. Eye examination: Using a slit-lamp microscope, the ophthalmologist will check for signs of allergies, such as swollen blood vessels on the eye’s surface.
3. Conjunctival scraping: In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken from the conjunctiva to test for specific white blood cells associated with allergies.
4. Allergy testing: If necessary, an allergist may perform skin or blood tests to identify specific allergens.

Effective Treatments for Eye Allergies: From Home Remedies to Prescription Options

What are the most effective treatments for eye allergies? The approach to treating eye allergies often involves a combination of avoidance strategies and medical interventions. Here are some of the most common and effective treatments:

1. Allergen Avoidance

The first line of defense against eye allergies is to minimize exposure to allergens. This can include:

• Staying indoors when pollen counts are high
• Using air conditioning instead of opening windows
• Wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses outdoors to block allergens
• Regularly cleaning high-humidity areas to prevent mold growth
• Using allergen-reducing covers for bedding

2. Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Several types of OTC eye drops can provide relief from allergy symptoms:

• Artificial tears: These help wash away allergens and provide moisture to dry, irritated eyes.
• Decongestant eye drops: These reduce redness but should not be used for more than 2-3 days.
• Antihistamine/decongestant combination drops: These relieve both itching and redness.

3. Prescription Medications

For more severe or persistent symptoms, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer eye drops: These provide both immediate and long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
• Corticosteroid eye drops: These can help with chronic and severe symptoms but should only be used under medical supervision.
• Oral antihistamines: While these can help with overall allergy symptoms, they may sometimes worsen eye dryness.

4. Immunotherapy

For long-term management of severe allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended. This treatment involves gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of allergens to build immunity over time.

Preventing Eye Allergies: Creating an Allergy-Free Environment at Home

How can you prevent eye allergies at home? Creating an allergy-friendly environment can significantly reduce symptoms. Here are some effective strategies:

• Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to discourage mold growth
• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F)
• Keep pets out of the bedroom and bathe them regularly
• Use a damp mop or cloth for cleaning floors to trap allergens
• Consider replacing carpets with hardwood or tile floors

The Best Eye Drops for Itchy, Red Eyes: A Comprehensive Guide

Which eye drops are best for treating itchy, red eyes? The most effective eye drops for allergy relief often contain a combination of active ingredients. Here are some top choices recommended by doctors:

1. Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (olopatadine)
2. Zaditor (ketotifen)
3. Alaway (ketotifen)
4. Opcon-A (naphazoline/pheniramine)
5. Naphcon-A (naphazoline/pheniramine)

It’s important to note that while these drops are available over-the-counter, it’s always best to consult with an eye care professional before starting any new treatment.

Natural Remedies for Eye Allergies: Complementary Approaches to Consider

In addition to medical treatments, some natural remedies may help alleviate eye allergy symptoms. These include:

• Cold compresses: Applying a cold, damp cloth to closed eyes can reduce swelling and provide relief.
• Saline rinses: Using preservative-free saline solution can help flush allergens from the eyes.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming foods rich in omega-3s or taking supplements may help reduce inflammation.
• Herbal tea compresses: Cooled chamomile or green tea bags placed on the eyes may soothe irritation.
• Eyebright herb: This traditional herb, used as a tea or in eye drops, may have anti-inflammatory properties.

While these natural remedies can be helpful, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, especially for eye health.

When to See a Doctor: Recognizing Serious Eye Allergy Symptoms

While most eye allergies can be managed at home or with over-the-counter treatments, there are instances when professional medical attention is necessary. When should you consult an eye doctor for allergy symptoms? Look out for these signs:

• Severe pain in or around the eyes
• Loss of vision or significant changes in vision
• Discharge from the eyes that is thick, yellow, or green
• Symptoms that persist or worsen despite home treatment
• Eye allergies that interfere with daily activities or quality of life
• Any eye injury, even if it seems minor

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. An ophthalmologist can provide a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatment to protect your eye health.

The Future of Eye Allergy Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As our understanding of eye allergies continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new and innovative treatments. What does the future hold for eye allergy management? Here are some promising areas of research:

1. Targeted Immunotherapies

Scientists are developing more specific immunotherapies that target the exact mechanisms involved in allergic reactions. These treatments could potentially offer longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects.

2. Biologic Medications

Biologic drugs, which are designed to target specific parts of the immune system, are showing promise in treating severe allergic conditions. While currently used primarily for conditions like asthma and eczema, they may soon be adapted for eye allergies.

3. Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Researchers are exploring new ways to deliver medications directly to the eye, such as contact lenses infused with antihistamines or long-lasting implants that slowly release medication.

4. Microbiome Modulation

Emerging research suggests that the microbiome (the community of microorganisms living in and on our bodies) may play a role in allergies. Future treatments might involve modifying the eye’s microbiome to reduce allergic responses.

5. Gene Therapy

While still in early stages, gene therapy could potentially be used to ‘switch off’ the genes responsible for allergic reactions, providing a long-term solution for chronic allergy sufferers.

As research in these areas progresses, we can look forward to more effective, personalized treatments for eye allergies in the future.

Living with Eye Allergies: Tips for Daily Management and Quality of Life

Coping with eye allergies on a day-to-day basis can be challenging, but there are strategies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some practical tips:

1. Keep an allergy diary: Track your symptoms and potential triggers to identify patterns and avoid allergens.
2. Use protective eyewear: Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to minimize allergen exposure.
3. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
4. Stay informed: Check local pollen forecasts and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
5. Use cold therapy: Apply cold compresses or chilled cucumber slices to soothe irritated eyes.
6. Consider your diet: Some foods may help reduce allergy symptoms, such as those rich in vitamin C and quercetin.
7. Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate allergy symptoms, so practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
8. Be prepared: Always carry eye drops or artificial tears with you for quick relief.
9. Educate others: Let friends, family, and colleagues know about your allergies to help create a supportive environment.
10. Stay consistent with treatment: Follow your doctor’s recommendations and use prescribed medications as directed.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can better manage your eye allergies and minimize their impact on your life. Remember, everyone’s experience with allergies is unique, so it may take some time to find the combination of treatments and lifestyle changes that work best for you.

Eye Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment

To provide proper treatment, your ophthalmologist will check to see if you have an eye infection or allergic conjunctivitis. They can usually diagnose allergic conjunctivitis easily. They will use a slit-lamp microscope to check for signs of eye allergies, such as swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye. They will talk to you about your medical history and your family’s history of allergies.

Your ophthalmologist may test for a specific type of white blood cell in your eye. They will do this if your allergies are bad or if it is not clear that you have allergic conjunctivitis. They will gently scrape a tiny area of the conjunctiva and test this tissue for those white blood cells.

How are eye allergies treated?

The key to treating eye allergies is to avoid or limit contact with the substance causing the problem. But you have to know what to avoid. If necessary, an allergist can perform a skin or blood test to help identify the specific allergen(s).

Avoiding allergens

If you are allergic to pollen, avoid going outdoors as much as possible when pollen counts are highest. Pollen counts are usually highest in the mid-morning and early evening. Also, avoid being outdoors when wind blows pollens around. When you are outdoors, sunglasses or eyeglasses can help to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.

Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning, both in your car and home. This will help lower your exposure to pollen and other irritants while you are inside. Don’t use window fans, as they draw the pollen and other allergens inside. Keep your air conditioning units clean so they won’t cycle allergens inside.

If mold is an allergy trigger for you, recognize that high humidity can cause molds to grow. Aim to keep the humidity level in your home around 30 to 50 percent. Clean high-humidity areas like basements, bathrooms and kitchens often. Consider using a dehumidifier in particularly humid or moist places such as a basement.

If dust at home brings on your allergic conjunctivitis, try to keep dust mites away from your skin. Pay special attention to your bedroom. Use allergen-reducing covers for your bedding and especially for your pillows. Wash your bedding frequently with hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

When cleaning floors, use a damp mop or rag instead of a dry dust mop or broom to trap the allergens.

If pets are a source of allergies for you, try to keep animals outside of the house as much as possible. It is particularly important not to allow a pet into your bedroom so that you can sleep in an allergen-free room. Consider hardwood or tile floors instead of carpeting, which traps the pet dander. Always wash your hands after touching a pet, and wash clothing that you have worn around pets.

Finally, always avoid rubbing your eyes, which only irritates them more.

Treating eye allergies with eyedrops and medicine

Artificial tears

Artificial tear drops help relieve eye allergies temporarily by washing allergens from the eye. They also relieve dry, irritated eyes by adding moisture. You can use these drops, available without a prescription, up to six times a day. You may use them as often as you need to if they are preservative free.

Decongestants (with or without antihistamines)

Decongestants reduce redness in the eyes from allergies. They are available as over-the-counter eye drops. If the decongestant eye drops you choose include an antihistamine, they can relieve itchiness as well. You should not use these types of eye drops for more than two to three days. Longer-term use actually increases your irritating symptoms.

Oral antihistamines

Oral antihistamines may be somewhat helpful in relieving itchy eyes. But they can make eyes dry and even worsen eye allergy symptoms.

Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizers

Eye drops with both an antihistamine to relieve itchiness and a mast-cell stabilizer help prevent eye allergies. You use them once or twice a day to relieve itching, redness, tearing and burning. How often you use them depends on which eye drop you choose.

Corticosteroids

Steroid eye drops can help treat chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling. They should never be used without medical supervision due to possible serious side effects.

Immunotherapy shots

If symptoms are not controlled by allergen avoidance, eye drops or medicine, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be an option. With immunotherapy, you get shots containing tiny amounts of the allergen. The dose gradually increases over time to help your body become immune to the allergens.

Your doctor can help determine which treatments are best for you.

Best Allergy Eye Drops for Itchy, Red Eyes 2021, Per Doctors

Sneezing and sniffling are just a few of the hallmarks of allergy season, but if you’re an allergy sufferer, you know that red, itchy, and watery eyes can leave you just as miserable when pollen counts start to boom. You don’t have to keep rubbing and wiping them, though—thanks to a variety of OTC solutions, irritated eyes can be a problem of the past. Here’s a look at what makes different types of allergy eye drops work, plus expert-approved tips for finding the right kind for you.

What are the best eye drops for allergies?

The answer, as always, depends on your specific symptoms. Most over-the-counter allergy eye drops fall into one of the following three categories:

Artificial Tears

✔️ Best for moisturizing dry eyes

Artificial tears temporarily rinse irritating allergens out of your eyes, and their lubricating effects combat redness and dryness. They’re usually the first treatment for red, itchy eyes. “I recommend using artificial tears with cold compresses, since many times the eye just needs to be calmed down and washed out,” says Vivienne Hau, M.D., a Kaiser Permanente ophthalmologist and retina specialist. Stick with artificial tears that are free of preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, which can sometimes irritate your eyes even more, Dr. Hau recommends.

Antihistamines & Mast-Cell Stabilizers

✔️ Best for soothing itchy eyes

Eyes drops containing antihistamines and mast-cell stabilizers are considered the gold standard by most eye doctors and allergists because they deliver a powerful punch against allergy symptoms. Antihistamines quickly fight existing inflammation, relieving itching, redness, and puffiness, explains Ming Wang, M.D., clinical professor at Meharry Medical College and cataract and Lasik eye surgeon. Mast-cell stabilizers, meanwhile, reign in histamine-releasing mast cells, keeping inflammation and discomfort at bay. “With consistent use, you should have immediate relief and symptom control,” Dr. Wang says.

Decongestants

✔️ Best for relieving redness

Decongestant eye drops offer temporary relief for red eyes, since they contain vasoconstrictors, says Joseph Dizon, M.D., an allergist an immunology specialist. If your eyes are also itchy, look for a decongestant eye drop that contains an antihistamine, he suggests. These drops are for short-term use only—three days, maximum. “If used for longer, there can be a rebound effect where the redness comes back and is even worse than before starting the drops,” says Benjamin Bert, M.D., a California-based ophthalmologist.

Ready to get some much-needed relief? Check out some doctor-recommended allergy eye drop picks below. And remember: If you don’t see any improvements or your symptoms are accompanied by vision changes, discharge, or pain, see your eye doctor right away. You might require prescription-strength drops or have an underlying issue that’s making the problem worse.

1

Best Artificial Tears

Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops, 2-Pack

These hydrating drops are preservative-free, so they’re safe to use frequently. “I tell many of my patients to put [artificial tears] in the refrigerator,” Dr. Hau says, since “the coolness can soothe inflamed eyes.” Bonus: They come in single-dose vials, making them easy to use on-the-go. 

2

Best Small-Bottle Eye Drops

Zaditor Antihistamine Eye Drops, 2-Pack

Zaditor contains .025% ketotifen, an antihistamine that can help relieve itchy eyes for up to 12 hours. “Many people with chronic allergies will use these drops on a daily basis without major side effects,” Dr. Bert says.

3

Best Antihistamine Eye Drops

Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops, 2-Pack

Like Zaditor, the active ingredient in Alaway is ketotifen, which prevents itchiness for up to 12 hours, Dr. Wang says. But this two-pack has a bit more of the key ingredient, meaning it’ll help even the itchiest eyes. They also help minimize inflammation the next time you’re exposed to allergens.

4

Best Decongestant Eye Drops

Naphcon-A Eye Drops

This calming eye drop contains naphazolene hydrochloride, which constricts blood vessels in the eye to temporarily ease redness and swelling. It also has the antihistamine pheniramine maleate, which helps relieve irritation. That makes it a good choice for fast, occasional symptom relief, Dr. Dizon says.

5

Best Moisturizing Eye Drops

Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops, 60-Count

These soothing drops rely on propylene glycol to relieve dry, irritated eyes and contain a special formula that moisturizes the lipid layer of the eye. Plus, they’re preservative-free, so they’re gentle on sensitive eyes.

6

Best Itch-Relief Eye Drops

Visine-A Allergy Relief Eye Drops, 2-Pack

If you’ve got super-itchy eyes, you’ll want to carry this eye dropper with you everywhere you go. Visine-A contains naphazolene hydrochloride, which relieves redness, and pheniramine maleate, which fights inflammation-induced itchiness. Basically, it’s relief in a bottle.

7

Best Redness-Relief Eye Drops

Clear Eyes Redness Relief Eye Drops, 3-Pack

This lubricating formula is ideal for the most allergy-irritated eyes. Although it’s not designed to help itchiness, it’ll tackle persistent redness, plus annoying symptoms like dryness and burning. One Amazon reviewer calls it “elite redness relief and lubrication in their smallest, most pocket- and purse-friendly container.”

8

Best Clarifying Eye Drops

Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops

Lumify is the only OTC brand formulated with brimonidine, a glaucoma medication that lowers pressure in the eyes. Basically, these eye drops are a great weapon against red eyes caused by allergies—although they won’t help with irritation or itchiness.

Marygrace Taylor
Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Women’s Health, Redbook, and others.

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5 Ways to Soothe Eyelid Irritation

When you have something in your eye, it’s always annoying, sometimes painful, but usually temporary. Your instinct is to blink it out — which typically works.

But when it’s your eyelid that’s red, itchy or puffy, it’s a different kind of frustrating. You know there’s no blinking away eyelid irritation, but you can’t help but try — over and over and over…

“If your eyelids are irritated, it’s because something is causing them to become inflamed — of which there are many different potential causes,” says Dr. Amina Malik, oculoplastic surgeon at Houston Methodist. “The irritation is typically either felt at the edge of your eyelids, where your eyelids and eyelashes meet, or on the inner surface of your eyelids

Eyelid inflammation can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Itchy, red or swollen eyelids
• A gritty feeling in the eye
• A burning sensation in the eye
• Loss of eyelashes
• Excessive blinking
• Excessive tearing
• Crusting on the eyelids
• Dry eyes

“One doesn’t necessarily experience all of these symptoms, just the ones that coincide with the specific cause of their inflammation,” adds Dr. Malik. “This is an issue that’s typically chronic, but, with the help of an eye specialist, eyelid irritation and inflammation can be manageable.”

What causes eyelid irritation?

While eyelid inflammation is common, it’s a complex condition with many causes, including:

• The oil glands in your eyelid becoming clogged, which is also called blepharitis and often associated with rosacea
• Mites or lice in eyelash follicles
• Allergic dermatitis, whose triggers include eye makeup, eye wash, eye cream, false lashes, airborne allergens and eyedrops
• Atopic dermatitis, due to eczema or psoriasis
• Bacterial infection

“Given the wide range of both causes and symptoms of eyelid inflammation, the first step in alleviating or even preventing your symptoms is to get a better understanding of the underlying cause of your irritation. This isn’t something you can do yourself at home, so it’s important to be evaluated by an eye specialist,” recommends Dr. Malik.

How to soothe eyelid irritation

Whether your eyelids are red and puffy or itchy and crusty, here are five tips for relieving eyelid irritation:

1. Use a warm compress

“To help relieve eyelid irritation, try applying a warm compress to your eyelids — which can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation,” recommends Dr. Malik. “It can also help unclog any clogged oil glands that may be causing your symptoms, as heat melts oil.”

The key, however, is to make sure whatever you use as a warm compress is clean and retains heat. A warm washrag, for example, will lose its warmth rather quickly.

“I recommend taking a handful of uncooked rice, placing it in a clean sock, tying it and microwaving it for 10-15 seconds,” says Dr. Malik, who advises to always check the temperature of the compress with your hand to ensure it’s not too hot before placing it on your eyes. “This should be de done for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice daily.”

2. Wash your eyelids

Several of the causes of eyelid inflammation can be relieved by improved eyelid hygiene.

Dr. Malik recommends cleaning your eyelid with a 50/50 mixed solution of baby shampoo and warm water.

“Especially if you’re noticing crusting, you can try carefully washing your eyelids with a Q-tip or cotton swab — swabbing from where the eyelashes emerge from the margin of your eyelid. I recommend using a new clean swab for each eyelid, just to be sure you don’t spread any bacteria from one eyelid to the next,” explains Dr. Malik.

3. Avoid potential irritants

When your eyelids are irritated, you may find it helpful to wear glasses instead of contact lenses and forgo wearing any eye makeup until your symptoms have cleared up.

“While it’s rare for contact solutions and eye makeup to be the source of eyelid inflammation, they can further aggravate any existing inflammation or contribute to already clogged oil glands,” explains Dr. Malik.

4. Take steps to prevent future irritation

When eyelid irritation flares up, taking notes about any recent changes in your eye care routine may help with diagnosis or future prevention of your eyelid inflammation. While this step doesn’t necessarily help fix your current flare-up, it’s important to do while the circumstances surrounding your irritation are fresh on your mind.

Additional steps you can take to prevent eyelid irritation:

• Avoid touching your eyes, especially with unwashed hands
• Remove makeup before going to sleep; toss out old makeup
• Maintain good eyelid hygiene with daily cleansing and warm compresses

5. See an eye specialist

Probably the most important and effective way to soothe eyelid irritation is to consult with an eye specialist. In addition to the recommendations above, some cases of eyelid inflammation require treatment with prescription medications, including:

• Topical and oral antibiotics
• Topical steroid eye drops
• Immunomodulatory drugs

“An eye specialist will identify what the specific trigger for your eyelid irritation is and prescribe targeted treatment for it,” explains Dr. Malik. “For instance, if your symptoms are caused by demodex mites in the eyelid, a specialized cleaning routine will be recommended.”

Yet another reason to see an eye specialist is because prolonged, untreated eyelid inflammation can progress into more serious eyelid changes, such as scarring and loss of eyelashes.

“There’s really no cure for blepharitis, but an eye specialist can help you understand how to better manage your condition in order to help reduce your risk of future flare-ups, as well as prevent a more serious complication from developing,” adds Dr. Malik.

Itchy Eyelids (Blepharitis) treatment · Top Eye Doctors, Specialists in NYC

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If you’ve been diagnosed with an infection due to an eye disease such as blepharitis, you need to take a round of antibiotics to clear up the itching and associated symptoms. Rarely do any of the underlying conditions related to itchy eyes lead to more serious complications. But it can. Make your appointment today with eye doctors in NYC: optometrist Dr. Saba Khodadadian and ophthalmologist Dr. Richard L. Deluca. Get the eye care you need in the safe, reassuring hands of the best rated eye specialists in NYC.

Itchy Eyelids (Blepharitis)

Rubbing your eyes after you’ve prepared a meal with spicy herbs or worked outside in the garden are common means of developing itchy eyelids. There are so many reasons for the skin covering over your eyeballs to itch that it can be difficult to narrow down the cause. Some of the more common causes of itchy eyelids include

• Blepharitis, that can result from some kind of eye infection with a number of different variables
• Allergies
• Tiredness from lack of sleep
• A stye, another infection-related condition
• Chalazion, related to an inflamed or blocked oil gland in your eye
• Dry eye
• A simple cold or flu virus
• Conjunctivitis

When you have periodic itchy eyes that don’t last longer than it takes you to get some sleep or apply eye drops to clear them up, then you really don’t have much to worry about. The best treatment is to take precautions and wash your hands before touching your face as well as avoiding those materials that cause your eyes to itch.

Reduce the immediate discomfort with cool compresses pressed against your eyelids and over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce slight allergic reactions. Stop rubbing your eyes when they itch because you could end up with a scratched cornea.

If you are having any abnormal symptoms, you should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a optometry specialist or ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as it may be a symptom or sign of a serious illness or condition.

When Symptoms Persist

When symptoms don’t respond to simple measures, you should seek medical attention from your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. In addition to the itching that won’t seem to go away, other symptoms that can signal a more serious condition include:

• Grittiness
• Bloodshot eyes
• Discharge from your eyes
• Increased tearing
• Swelling
• Formation of a bump or lump under or on your eyelids
• Burning in your eyes
• Sinus congestion
• Sneezing

Seasonal allergies also can leave you with dark circles under your eyes, sometimes called “allergic shiners.” The itching with both seasonal and perennial allergies can be so severe that you rub your eyes too hard — which can scratch your eyes or spread infections to your eyes.

When you see your eye doctor, explain how long the itching has lasted, when it started and what you were doing when it first started. Eyelid itching that’s constant, persistent or recurrent can signal more serious complications. Seek immediate treatment by calling 911 if your itchy eyes also are accompanied by:

• Wheezing
• Choking
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen face, tongue and lips
• Sudden changes in your vision
• Eye pain

If you are having any visual abnormalities you should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a optometry specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as it may be a symptom or sign of a serious illness or condition.

Making the Diagnosis

In addition to the eye exam and timing of your symptoms, your ophthalmologist also needs to know:

• What other symptoms you’re experiencing
• If you have diagnosed allergies
• To what are you allergic
• What you’re taking for your allergies
• What other medications you’re taking
• Whether you’ve ever had this happen before
• If you’ve ever been diagnosed with another eye problem such as blepharitis

Allergies very often play a dominant role in the development of itchy eyelids. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies that lead to itchy eyes due to an allergic reaction to pollen. And the incidence of seasonal allergies seems to be on the rise, affecting as many as 40 percent of American children and 30 percent of the adults in the country.

Allergies to bee stings and other bug bites don’t affect your eyes as much as airborne allergens do. In addition to pollen, other common airborne allergens that cause itchy eyes include pet dander, dust and mold. Other common irritants that could be causing your symptoms may include:

• Strong perfumes
• Exhaust fumes
• Air pollution
• Cigarette smoke

Eye allergies occur when your body’s immune system becomes compromised. Your eyes may react adversely when they come in contact with materials that don’t affect other people at all. When those allergens come into contact with the mast cells in your eyes, they release a substance called histamine. Histamine then causes the itchiness, redness and watering.

If your ophthalmologist suspects your itchy eyes are due to an allergy, you may be referred to an allergy specialist. Because the symptoms of allergies closely resemble other eye conditions, it’s vital that you seek outside help to get a definitive diagnosis. An allergist may conduct certain tests that may include scraping your eye for tissue samples to be examined under a microscope.

Treatment for Itchy Eyes

If you’ve been diagnosed with an infection due to an eye disease such as blepharitis, you need to take a round of antibiotics to clear up the itching and associated symptoms. Even when you take medications to treat your eye condition, you still must maintain effective hygiene practices to stop the itching. These include:

• Washing your hands before touching your eyes
• Using artificial tears and sterile eye drops
• Completely removing eye makeup at night
• Switching to hypo-allergenic makeup for sensitive skin
• Gently washing your eyelashes with baby shampoo and rinsing with a clean cloth

Your eye doctor may recommend additional eye treatments if you have allergies that include:

• Avoiding the allergens as much as possible
• Staying indoors with the windows closed
• Wearing wrap-around sunglasses
• Removing your contacts during allergy seasons
• Switching to daily-use contacts that you dispose of every day
• Trying over-the-counter allergy-relief eye drops
• Using the prescription eye drops you can get from your eye doctor
• Taking antihistamines, perhaps coupled with a decongestant
• Taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or aspirin
• Undergoing immunotherapy, also referred to as allergy shots
• Relying on mast cell stabilizers

Consequences of Itchy Eyes

Most cases of itchy eyelids respond well to simple at-home remedies when you catch it early enough and closely follow your eye doctor’s instructions. Rarely do any of the underlying conditions related to itchy eyes lead to more serious complications. But it can.

Continued heavy rubbing of your eyes can cause scratches on your eyeball that could then cause scars or build-up of skin that becomes very uncomfortable without mild surgical intervention. Your eyelid itching also could be signaling a dangerous infection that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss and even permanent blindness. The infection also could spread and cause other optometry specialist complications throughout your body.

If you are having any abnormal symptoms, you should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a optometry specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as it may be a symptom or sign of a serious illness or condition.

Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide guidance, not a definitive medical advice. Please consult eye doctor about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced board certified eye doctor can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Do you have any questions about Itchy Eyelids (Blepharitis) treatment in NYC? Would like to schedule an appointment with ophthalmologist in Manhattan Dr. Richard L. Deluca, optometrist and a leading optometry specialist Dr. Saba Khodadadian of Manhattan Eye Doctors & Specialists? Please contact our office for consultation with NYC eye doctor.

Manhattan Eye Specialists
Dr. Saba Khodadadian, Optometrist (NYC Eye Doctor)

983 Park Avenue, Ste 1D19
New York, NY 10028

(Between Madison Ave & Park Ave)
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The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a best in class Optometrist or Ophthalmologist in NYC regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination with an eye specialist should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call your local eye doctor or call our office today and schedule a consultation.

Itchy Eyelid – Causes, Related Symptoms, Complications

Itchy eyelids can result from any condition that irritates, inflames or infects the eyelid. Allergies, infections, and even lack of sleep can cause your eyelids to itch. Itchy eyelids are commonly associated with other symptoms like redness, swelling, a gritty feeling in the eye, irritation, lumps or bumps, increased tear production, or discharge.

Allergies are the most common cause of itchy eyelids. An allergy that affects your eyelid may be local, such as an allergic reaction to eye makeup, or more generalized, such as hay fever. Allergies that involve the membrane lining the inside of your eyelids and covering the whites of the eyes are called allergic conjunctivitis.

Infections or inflammations of the eyelid margin, the area near your eyelashes, are also frequent causes of itchy eyelid. These conditions include blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margin), chalazion (inflammation of a blocked oil gland in the eyelid margin), and stye or hordeolum (localized bacterial infection of an oil gland or eyelash follicle in the eyelid margin).

Most conditions that affect the eyelids do not threaten your life or vision, and itchy eyelids usually get better on their own within a few days. You can reduce the itching with use of cool compresses and over-the-counter antihistamines. You should avoid rubbing your eyes or scratching your eyelids, which can lead to more irritation. In very rare cases, itchy eyelids can be associated with anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Because your eyes and vision are so important to your quality of life, be sure to contact your health care provider if you have any eye symptoms that cause you concern.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if your itchy eyelid symptoms are accompanied by more serious symptoms including sudden visual changes, difficulty breathing or wheezing, or sudden swelling of the face, lips and tongue.

Seek prompt medical care if your eyelid itchiness is persistent, recurrent, or causes you concern.

Antibiotics for pink eye | Choosing Wisely

When you need them—and when you don’t

Pink eye is a common condition, especially in children. It is also called conjunctivitis. The eyes are pink because they are infected or irritated. They may be itchy and teary, with a watery discharge, and swollen, crusty eyelids.

Doctors often prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments for pink eye. But antibiotics don’t usually help, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They can do more harm than good. Here’s why:

Antibiotics are not usually necessary for pink eye.
Pink eye can be caused by a virus, an allergy, or bacteria.

Pink eye is usually caused by a virus. Viral pink eye usually goes away on its own in a week or so. Antibiotics do not kill viruses.

Pink eye can also be an allergic reaction to some­thing like pollen, dust mites, pets, contact lenses, or cosmetics. This kind of pink eye gets better when you avoid the things that are causing the allergy. Antibiotics don’t help allergies.

A third type of pink eye is caused by bacteria. This can be helped by an antibiotic. However, mild bac­terial pink eye almost always goes away within ten days without medication.

Antibiotics can cause problems.
Antibiotics can cause itching, stinging, burning, swelling and redness. They can cause more discharge. And they can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Antibiotics can be a waste of money.
Generic antibiotic drops and ointments can cost as much as $60. For newer, brand name drugs, you can pay over $130. And if you have an antibiotic-resistant infection, you will need more doctor visits and costly medicines.

Who should use antibiotics for pink eye?
You might need antibiotic eye drops and ointments for bacterial pink eye if:

• Your symptoms are severe.
• Your immune system is weak. This might happen if you have another illness.
• Your infection does not get better in a week without treatment.

Know the symptoms of different kinds of pink eye.

• Viral pink eye: Symptoms can include watery eyes along with a cold, flu, or sore throat.
• Allergic pink eye: Symptoms include itchy eyes, swollen eyelids and a runny or itchy nose. It is more common in people who have other allergies, such as hay fever or asthma.
• Bacterial pink eye: Symptoms include a thick, often yellow-green discharge that lasts all day (usually not with a cold or flu).

This report is for you to use when talking with your health-care provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment.  Use of this report is at your own risk.

© 2017 Consumer Reports. Developed in cooperation with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

10/2013

8 Best Allergy Eye Drops For Itchy, Dry, Red Eyes 2021

Christine Giordano

When you have allergies, spring is a serious wakeup call. Then, summer rolls around and offers some relief, before fall shows up to blast you with allergens all over again. Not only can seasonal allergies leave you coughing, sniffling, and stuffy, they can also be harsh on your eyeballs.

“It’s common to have itchy, red eyes from allergies, especially in the fall and spring when ragweed and pollen is high,” says Mina Massaro-Giordano, MD, co-director of the Penn Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Center and a professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. Red, itchy eyes are also a common symptom of dry eye, so it’s possible you could be dealing with that, too, Dr. Massaro-Giordano says.

Luckily, you don’t need to just struggle through—using a good eye drop can help.

What are the best eye drops for allergies?

There are a few different types that might work for you (and some drops fall into multiple categories):

• Artificial tears: These do exactly what you’d expect—moisten your peepers. “Something as simple as artificial tears lubricate the eye surface and improve overall comfort,” says Zeba Syed, MD, a cornea surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital. Artificial tears can also help wash out any gunk that may be on the surface of your eye and bothering you, points out Jacqueline G. Davis, OD, a professor of clinical optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
• Topical antihistamines: For some people, artificial tears are enough; for others, a topical antihistamine may be needed to deal with your body’s allergic response, says Vivian Shibayama, OD, an optometrist at UCLA Health. If your allergies are out of control, OTC eye drops with the antihistamine ketotifen can help tamp down on the itchiness and redness, Dr. Davis says.
• Mast cell stabilizers: Mast cells are a type of cell that causes allergic reactions, according to the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology (AAAI). These types of drops (e.g. lodoxamine, cromolyn, nedocromil) help prevent the release of compounds that cause allergic reactions (like histamine), per AAAI, and are available over the counter and in prescription versions.
• Decongestant eye drops: These are basic types of eye drops that are designed to chill out redness. They contain a decongestant (e.g. naphazoline) that constricts blood vessels in the eyes, which in turn, makes them appear less red, according to Berkeley Wellness.

If you’re not sure what’s going on with your red eyes, Dr. Massaro-Giordano says it’s always a good idea to see an eye doctor to get to the bottom of your probs. But, if you’re pretty damn sure your eye redness, itchiness, and/or discomfort is related to allergies, you’re probably okay just trying out an OTC eye drop that falls into one of the aforementioned categories.

Of course, if you’ve ever roamed the eye drop section of your local pharmacy, you know that there are a lot of options out there. This narrowed-down list—with an option to match every allergy-ridden eyeball need—will make shopping a whole lot easier.

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1

For dry eyes

Optive lubricant eye drops

These are preservative-free, which is clutch if you’re also struggling with dry eye on top of other allergy eye symptoms, Dr. Shibayama says. “Preservatives can cause eye irritations if used too often,” she explains. These drops in particular are great for when you need artificial tears.

2

For itchy eyes

Alcon Pataday Once Daily Relief

Alcon Pataday
amazon.com

$15.41

When you need to call in some reinforcement, these Pataday eye drops function as a topical antihistamine to relieve itchy eyes in just a few minutes. Even though all it takes is one drop, the relief lasts for up to 16 hours. 

3

For red, itchy eyes

Visine-A eye allergy relief

Visine-A’s drops are also antihistamines (pretty much any time a drop ends with –A, it’s going to be an antihistamine, Dr. Massaro-Giordano says). So, you’ll want to use these for quick relief, but use them sparingly.

4

For dry eyes

Systane ultra-lubricant eye drops

These are also preservative-free, a factor that Dr. Massaro-Giordano agrees is important. They work great when there’s not enough wetness in your tears or you’re struggling with dry eye, Dr. Shibayama says—and they’re a smidgen cheaper than the former option.

5

For dry eyes

TheraTears eye drops for dry eyes

TheraTears are preservative-free drops that are great for rewetting your eyes or rinsing out allergens that might be hanging out on your eyeballs. Simply pull out a vial, use it on your eyes, and go about your day.

6

For dry eyes

Ocusoft Retaine MGD

If you’re struggling with dry eye during allergy season, you may be having trouble with the oil production in your tears. If that’s your issue (and you may need to see an eye doctor to find out for sure), Dr. Shibayama recommends trying out Retaine MGD drops. They help moisturize and lubricate your eyes.

7

For dry eyes

Refresh Optive Mega-3 lubricant eye drops

Refresh
amazon.com

$16.84

These are another great option if your allergies are causing dry eye, Dr. Shibayama says. They’re enhanced with flaxseed oil to help replace some of the oily layer in your tears.

8

For itchy eyes

Alaway antihistamine eye drops

These antihistamine eye drops contain ketotifen, an ingredient Dr. Syed recommends looking for. Once you apply them, they go to work in minutes and then provide up to 12 hours of allergy relief.

Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

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90,000 Eye drops for redness, fatigue, dryness, inflammation, allergies. How to choose?

home
Diseases eye drops

Eye drops or ointments treat most eye problems, be it dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), eye redness or itching.

The choice of eye drops or ointment depends on the eye disease that caused the indicated symptoms:

• Dryness

• Redness

• Infection (“pink eye”)

• Allergies

  0

• 9000

  Soreness

• Edema

• Suppuration (discharge from the eyes)

In case of any of the above symptoms or diseases, you should consult an ophthalmologist to determine the root cause and severity of the problem, and also choose the optimal treatment.

Eye Drops: Over-the-Counter or Prescription

Eye drops and ointments can be divided into two categories: over-the-counter or prescription.

Over-the-counter eye drops are so named because they do not require a prescription. They are prescribed in most cases and are generally less expensive than prescription eye drops.

However, before using over-the-counter eye drops, see your ophthalmologist to determine which type of eye drops is best for you.Don’t risk your eye health!

Dry eye drops

Moisturizing eye drops , or “tear substitutes”, can relieve transient dry eyes when the cause is related to temporary circumstances, such as eye strain while working at a computer, being outside in windy conditions. or sunny weather and overwork.

Most over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops increase the concentration of lacrimal components secreted by our eyes, which enhances natural tear production, hydration and eye comfort.

Decongestant eye drops are not recommended for dry eyes. These eye drops are generally advertised as a remedy for red eyes.

They do reduce eye redness, but long-term use can worsen dry eye symptoms.

If dry eye symptoms are more severe, you may need a moisturizing gel or ointment. These products can cause short-term blurred vision after application, which is why most people use them just before bed.

If over-the-counter eye drops or ointments do not relieve symptoms, you can get prescription eye drops and ointments, as well as additional dry eye medications such as teardrop obturators, by talking to your ophthalmologist.

Anti-redness eye drops

Decongestant (whitening) eye drops contain vasoconstrictor components that constrict the smallest blood vessels in the white part of the eye (sclera), reducing redness.

While decongestant eye drops are effective in treating redness, remember that they often mask an underlying problem that can have serious consequences. In all cases, it is recommended that you first consult with an ophthalmologist, who will determine the cause of the redness.

When used too often, decongestant eye drops can cause dryness and irritation of the eyes, dilated pupils and other side effects.

In addition, you may develop a tolerance for the “whitening” effect of the decongestant drops, leading to even more reddening of the eyes (rebounding) and causing you to use these drops more and more frequently.

If your eyes are red from fatigue, dryness, lack of sleep, or general irritation, over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops can bring you safe relief. If the redness is caused by an allergic reaction, such as pollen, moisturizing drops will help wash the allergen off the mucous membrane.

Allergy and Itchy Eye Drops

Antihistamine Eye Drops are specially formulated for the treatment of itching caused by allergies.Antiallergic eye drops reduce histamine levels in the tissues around the eyes.

Allergies can cause dry eye symptoms such as itching, redness, tear and swelling, and puffiness of the eyes. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops may also help in this case.

Some decongestant eye drops for redness of the eyes also contain antihistamines. They are intended to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies, but decongestant eye drops are generally not recommended for long-term use.”Eye drops for redness” above).

In case of severe itching and ineffectiveness of over-the-counter medications, an eye doctor should be consulted for prescription eye drops and / or oral medications.

Eye drops for pain, swelling or discharge from the eyes

Before you decide to use eye drops for eye pain, it is important to establish the cause.

As a rule, painful sensations in the eyes are caused by dryness, overexertion, fatigue or overuse.If you have eye pain, see your ophthalmologist to rule out a serious eye infection.

Moisturizing eye drops can relieve eye irritation caused by stress, such as crying. In addition, these drops can help with eye discharge caused by allergies, as well as eye swelling resulting from an inflammatory and allergic reaction.

However, if your allergy has caused your eyes to “fester” or a thick, yellowish fluid from your eyes, you may be prescribed prescription antibacterial eye drops.

Eye drops for the treatment of conjunctivitis and other infections

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common types of eye infections. The term pink eye combines several different types of conjunctivitis.

Different types of eye drops may be required for different types of conjunctivitis, so it is important to visit an ophthalmologist to determine the correct treatment:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis causes severe redness and soreness of the eyes with thick, sticky, yellowish discharge.Bacterial eye infections should be treated with prescription eye drops from an ophthalmologist.

• Viral conjunctivitis is contagious. Some viral types of conjunctivitis go away on their own, but
  Severe forms cause eye redness, watery eyes, and eye pain with clear or whitish discharge. In some cases, vision loses clarity.

  For viral conjunctivitis, over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops and cold compresses or ice packs can help.If symptoms worsen, you should see an ophthalmologist for additional treatment.

• Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common cause of eye redness and often causes itchy eyes, lacrimation and inflammation, as well as swelling of the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

  Most relief is achieved with over-the-counter antihistamines and moisturizing eye drops. You can also take over-the-counter antihistamines.

  For severe symptoms, the ophthalmologist may prescribe strong eye drops or oral medication.

When using eye drops to treat an eye infection, never bring the eye drop bottle close to the eyeball. The bottle may touch the lining of your eye, which could spread the infection.

Eye Drops & Contact Lenses

Moisturizing Drops are specially formulated for contact lenses and can relieve dry eyes and discomfort associated with contact lenses.

If you decide to use conventional over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops when wearing contact lenses, talk to your ophthalmologist about their compatibility.

Unlike moisturizing drops, many over-the-counter and prescription eye drops are not compatible with contact lenses, so you may need to remove your contact lenses before instilling your eyes.

Page published in November 2020

Page updated June 2021

90,000 Meibomian gland dysfunction: causes of dry eyes, treatment.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is possibly one of the most common eye problems you have never heard of.

The term “meibomian” refers to a specific type of gland located in the eyelids. The meibomian glands are named after Heinrich Meibom, the German physician who first described and sketched them back in 1666.

In the upper eyelid there are approximately 25–40 meibomian glands, in the lower – 20–30.The function of these glands is to secrete fat on the surface of the eye. These fats help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (DMG) is a blockage or other dysfunction of the meibomian glands, as a result of which they do not secrete enough fat into the tear fluid. As a result, the tear film evaporates too quickly from the surface of the eye, DMF is associated with dry eye syndrome. It is also associated with blepharitis, a condition of the eyelids.

Another name for the dysfunction of the meibomian glands is “meibomite”.

Risk factors for DMZ

There are several factors that can increase the risk of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Like the risk of dry eyes, the risk of DMD increases with age. People over the age of 40 are at significantly greater risk of developing this disease than children or young people.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is the main cause of dry eyes.

A study of 233 older adults (91 percent men; mean age 63) found that 59 percent of participants had at least one sign of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Your ethnicity also plays a role. An extensive review of published studies on VSD found that, according to some studies, up to 69% of Asian populations in Thailand, Japan and China have meibomian gland dysfunction. In comparison, other studies have shown that only up to 20% of non-Hispanic Caucasians in the United States and Australia have BMD.

Eye makeup is another cause of DMD. Eyeliner and other makeup can clog the holes in your meibomian glands, especially if you don’t thoroughly cleanse your eyelids and remove all traces of eye makeup before bed.

Some researchers believe that wearing contact lenses may also increase your risk of developing DMD. Recent studies have shown that changes in the meibomian glands are associated with contact lens wear, and stopping contact lens use for up to six months does not correct these changes.

However, it is unclear whether contact lens wear actually leads to meibomian gland dysfunction, and most researchers argue that more research is needed to determine if contact lens wearers are at increased risk of VSD.

How is BMD found?

Symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction – eye redness, gritty eyes, itchy eyes, and blurry vision – are almost the same as when dry eye occurs.

Only an ophthalmologist can determine with certainty whether you have an MMD.

A simple method that can be used by an ophthalmologist to detect VSD is to press on the eyelid and thereby squeeze out the contents of the meibomian glands. Observing this discharge can often enable a trained ophthalmologist to determine if you have meibomian gland dysfunction.

The meibomian glands secrete fats that lubricate the tear film, so that the surface of the eye is always moisturized.

Because meibomian gland dysfunction affects the stability of the tear film, your ophthalmologist can also check the quality, quantity and stability of your tears.

One of the most common tests is called the tear film rupture time test. This simple, painless procedure involves applying a small amount of dye to the tear film on the front of the eye. The ophthalmologist will then examine the eye with cobalt blue light (which makes your tears glow) to see how quickly the tear film loses stability (breaks) on your eye.

Treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction

In the past, the typical treatment recommended for VSD was to apply warm compresses to the eyelids followed by massaging the eyelids. The purpose of this treatment was to melt and remove the thickened fat that was clogging the openings of the meibomian glands.

Warm compresses and massage of the eyelids are ineffective in relieving symptoms of VSD.

Unfortunately, warm compresses and massage are usually not enough to adequately treat the problem and restore the normal functioning of the meibomian glands.

Another option is probing the meibomian glands. In this procedure, numbing eye drops are applied to the eyes, and the optometrist uses a hand-held instrument to probe and dilate the ducts of the meibomian glands (at the base of the eyelashes). This procedure is quite effective, but tiring and somewhat painful.

New treatment options are currently available. These include:

Thermal Pulse System is an outpatient medical device that heats the eyelids enough to melt the wax deposits in the meibomian glands.At the same time, it exerts pulsating pressure on the eyelid, opening it slightly, and carefully removes the contents of the glands.

A treatment session lasts 12 minutes, during which the device is attached to the eyelid. The design of the system eliminates the transfer of heat or pressure of the eyelids to the eyeball itself. Research has shown that a single thermal pulsation treatment significantly improves the secretion of the meibomian glands and relieves dry eye symptoms for up to three years.

The heat and pressure treatment systems use a portable handheld LED heat source to heat the inner and outer lid surfaces to melt the waxy discharge inside the meibomian glands.

As soon as the degree of heating is sufficient to melt the discharge, the ophthalmologist will press on the eyelids to unclog the clogged meibomian glands, observing directly the process. A treatment session usually lasts less than eight minutes.

Studies have shown that the heat and pressure system for treating VSD significantly improved the signs and symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eyes two to four weeks after treatment.

Disposable adhesive warming patches are also used for the treatment of VSD. The patches are applied externally to the eyelids and connected with a cable to a small, reusable hand warmer. After warming for 12 minutes, the ophthalmologist uses tweezers to squeeze the eyelids to open and unclog clogged meibomian glands.

A pilot study of such a system has shown that it is an effective treatment for VSD and dry eye syndrome, and also reduces signs and symptoms of dry eyes that have lasted for at least 6 months.In the control group of patients who daily used warm compresses at home, no such improvement was observed.

Ancillary therapy for the meibomian glands

Some ophthalmologists recommend a combination of procedures for the treatment of DMZh and dry eyes. Therapies that can be suggested for use with the above treatments include:

Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL). This treatment, which has been used by dermatologists for many years to treat rosacea acne, has also been shown to be effective in relieving meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye symptoms.

An IPL procedure, in which intense pulses of visible and infrared light are applied to the eyelids, takes about 20 minutes. As a rule, several treatment sessions are prescribed at intervals of about a month.

Treatment with IPL is believed to reduce inflammation in the eyelids leading to blockage of the meibomian glands. The three-year IPL study showed promising results in the treatment of VSD, with 93% of subjects reporting satisfaction with the improvement in dry eye symptoms after a series of IPL sessions.

Mechanical eyelid cleaning – An outpatient blepharitis treatment that has also been shown to reduce symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction. The hand tool gently exfoliates the lids in the lash line with a medical grade rotating sponge. This exfoliating action removes the inflammatory biofilm that can form on the eyelids, causing clogging of the meibomian glands. Treatment usually takes less than 10 minutes and cleans all four surfaces of the eyelids.

Manual eyelid cleaning. In this procedure, the ophthalmologist uses a hand tool to remove keratin and other debris that can adhere to the edges of the eyelids and clog the openings of the meibomian glands. Research has shown that cleansing the eyelids resulted in statistically significant relief from dry eye symptoms and improved functioning of the meibomian glands one month after the procedure.

Antibacterial eye drops. Several studies have shown that antibacterial eye drops can help treat meibomian gland dysfunction.During an eye exam, your optometrist will tell you if this method is right for you.

Cyclosporin eye drops. Cyclosporine is a substance that modifies the body’s immune response in a specific way. This medication is in prescription eye drops that are used to treat dry eye symptoms.

Supplements containing omega-3. Some ophthalmologists recommend that omega-3 fatty acids be added to the diet as an adjunct to one of the above treatments for VSD.A diet rich in omega-3s may also reduce the risk of future episodes of meibomian gland dysfunction. It appears that these essential fatty acids may help suppress inflammation associated with VSD and reduce the risk of meibomian gland wax formation.

See an ophthalmologist

Only an ophthalmologist can confidently determine if you have meibomian gland dysfunction and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Page published in November 2020

Page updated April 2021

90,000 Treatment of itchy eyes in case of allergies

According to the WHO, the 21st century will be the century of allergies.According to independent data, about 35-40% of people around the world suffer from it. However, according to the doctors themselves, this figure can be much higher, because not every person turns to a specialist. Often, allergies are accompanied by severe itching in the eyes. How to get rid of it?

In the course of numerous studies, scientists have come to a very disappointing conclusion. Over the past 40 years, allergic diseases have spread rapidly.These are pathologies such as:

• atopic dermatitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• furunculosis;
• toxidermia;
• eczema.

This list is far from complete. Do not forget about cases of food, drug and even cold allergies, which can occur from time to time. Such phenomena are associated with violations of certain processes in the body, in which the immune system becomes sensitive to external irritating factors.
Allergies were initially called hypersensitivity. This was until, in 1906, the Viennese pediatrician Clemens von Piquet singled out her in a separate category. It was they who discovered that itching is directly related to an increase in immunoglobulin E in the body. Today, an immunoglobulin test is prescribed by doctors in order to be sure of the diagnosis.

Causes of allergic reactions in the eyes

Due to certain physiological characteristics, our eyes are not an ideal “tool”.Being a very sensitive organ, they are vulnerable to itching allergens. It could be:

• household dust;
• animal hair;
• chemical compounds;
• pollen;
• mold.

All of them spread very quickly in the air, and it is almost impossible to protect yourself from them.Getting on the mucous membrane, they cause allergic reactions, which are accompanied by severe itching in the eyes. It can also be caused by various substances that enter our body with food, medicines, through animal and insect bites.

Quite often, the problem lies in the use of cosmetics, because it can also provoke allergic itching in the eyes. In medical practice, there are cases when it arose as a result of surgical intervention.As shown by the results of the studies, the cause of the itching was the body’s reaction to the suture materials.

How does allergic itching of the eyes manifest?

Anyone knows such an unpleasant sensation as itching. The eye area is also prone to this condition. A characteristic manifestation is a feeling of irritation, redness of the skin in the region of the visual organs, accompanied by a strong desire to scratch them.

The most acute itching in the eyes with allergies begins to develop a couple of hours after contact with the allergen.This period of time can be increased. Depending on the state of immunity and the amount of allergen, this process can last even several days, or even weeks. The most characteristic symptoms, by which it can be accurately determined that itching is of an allergic nature, are:

• burning sensation;
• redness;
• inflammation;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• eye fatigue;
• photophobia;
• lacrimation.

There are also more serious cases, such as infectious allergic conjunctivitis. It is characterized by the release of purulent secretions that accumulate in the corners of the eyes. Children are most susceptible to it, however, according to doctors, cases of this disease among adults have become more frequent recently.

What are the types of eye allergies?

The causes of an allergic reaction can be very different, and therefore it can manifest itself in different ways.The single most obvious symptom is itchy eyes, but there are other symptoms as well. Modern doctors allocate:

• contact dermatitis – a disease that can occur due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye due to the use of poor-quality mascara or shadows, as well as various means, including folk, intended for cleansing the face;
• papillary conjunctivitis, which develops in people who use contact lenses. A negative reaction is provoked either by the optical products themselves, being a body foreign to the eye, or by the solution used to process them, more precisely, by its components;
• keratoconjunctivitis is a pathology that is more common in boys 6-13 years old due to the instability of the hormonal background.In addition, the cause of the disease can be neurodemitis, which occurs in patients with previous atopic dermatitis;
• hay fever or hay fever, which usually develops during the warm season and is associated with the onset of flowering. As a rule, it is accompanied by a runny nose and lacrimation. The beginning of flowering of cereals and weeds, as well as trees, provokes the development of hay fever.

The following classifications are not so common, but one cannot fail to mention them, since they also provoke itching in the eyes with allergies.These are such forms of pathology as:

• medicinal product arising from the use of a previously not administered medical product during treatment;
• infectious, developing as a response when interacting with bacteria or other infectious objects;
• chronic, consisting in a stable increase in the susceptibility of the organs of vision to various allergens.

Why is there severe itching in the eyes?

So, let’s now figure out what influences how exactly allergy symptoms manifest in a particular person? As doctors assure, manifestations directly depend on the type of pathology.So, for example, allergic conjunctivitis is characterized not only by itching in the eyes, but also by increased lacrimation. This is especially pronounced in the chronic form. The patient may suffer from headache and pressure in the temporal region, redness may form in the area of ​​the visual organs, and purulent fluid may accumulate in their corners.
If we are talking about an acute form of allergy, then there may be a pronounced edema of the mucous membrane of the eye – chemosis. In such situations, you need to seek help from an ophthalmologist, if you have not done this before.It is important to consider that in advanced cases, under the chemosis itself, various microbes and bacteria can begin to accumulate, for example, demodex, which is the causative agent of an infectious eye disease – demodicosis. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, it can lead to the formation of ulcers on the cornea of ​​the eye.

Allergies can progress not only on the horny or mucous membranes, but also on the eyelids. This condition is called allergic dermatitis by doctors.It represents, in its own way, a response to the use of decorative cosmetics or drugs applied in the form of ointments, creams or eye drops. In addition to itching, the accompanying phenomena for this condition are a burning sensation, redness and even a rash on the skin.

Diagnosis and treatment of itchy eyes

Only a qualified doctor can determine the type of allergy that is specific to you and prescribe competent treatment.It is very important to understand this unspoken rule. You should not make a diagnosis yourself, relying on the opinion of friends or acquaintances. In each particular case, the reaction of the body can proceed in completely different ways, and therefore the treatment should be approached with maximum responsibility.
The first thing a doctor should do during an appointment is to collect the patient’s history, that is, to clarify in detail all the nuances of his lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases and much more. After analyzing the data provided by the patient, the specialist will conduct his own survey regarding the symptoms and causes that, according to the patient, led to the allergic reaction.He will be able to make a final conclusion by analyzing the determination of the number of eosinophils in the blood.
Having received the result of the analysis carried out in the laboratory, the doctor will be able to determine the accuracy of the preliminary diagnosis, and also to suggest why the allergic reaction has occurred. It is likely that the clinic will immediately carry out skin tests to determine the allergen. As soon as the specialist has all the necessary information, he will be able to establish the exact cause and identify what exactly is the allergen in a particular case.

The first thing a doctor will recommend when an allergen is identified is to avoid further contact with it. The selection of drugs for treatment is carried out strictly individually, since some of them may have side effects or contraindications that prevent a particular patient from using this drug. Usually, mast cell stabilizers and histamine receptor blockers are included in the therapy program.Also, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by a doctor.
Today, there is a method of immunotherapy, which is very successfully used, in which a certain amount of an allergen is injected under the patient’s skin. This allows the body to recognize it and in the future perceive it as its part, and not as a foreign body. Conservative methods of treatment are drops, various creams or ointments, and, of course, antihistamines. Vasoconstrictor drugs may also be prescribed to relieve redness.

What drugs are used for treatment?

First of all, antihistamines are prescribed by the doctor. Most of them come in pill form, although there are also injectable drugs. They are usually prescribed in a course of 3 to 6 days. There is a division into drugs of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation. The former are less in demand due to the fact that they also have a hypnotic effect, and also reduce muscle tone, and therefore are prescribed today only as an exception.These are drugs such as:

• Suprastin
• “Diphenhydramine”
• “Diazolin”
• Fenkarol
• Tavegil.

All of them are able to relieve severe itching in the eyes, but they have a lot of “side effects”. The second generation drugs are more reliable, but they can hardly be called ideal either. These drugs provoke a cardiotoxic effect, and therefore, when taking them, it is recommended to monitor cardiac activity.Needless to say, they are not prescribed for the elderly and patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system? These drugs include:

• Kestin
• Rupafin
• Claritin
• “Lomilan”
• Claridol.

The most effective and at the same time the safest drugs are the third generation.They are not just drugs, they are prodrugs. This means that when they enter the body, they are converted into active metabolites – substances that participate in the biochemical reactions of the body. Such drugs will not only quickly cope with allergic itching in the eyes, but will also have a beneficial effect on the entire body. These are drugs such as:

• Erius
• “Cesera”
• Telfast
• “Zirtek”
• “Fenkarol”.

Drops are still successfully used to treat allergic itching of the eyes. They are prescribed in combination with pills. The most effective are:

• Allergodil
• “Kromehexal”
• Opatanol
• “Opticrom”
• Azelastine.

Of course, they are not suitable for quickly relieving symptoms, but in combination with other drugs they can provide a faster and, most importantly, stable effect, relieving the patient from itching.

90,000 Burning, redness, dryness – discomfort in the eyes and how to get rid of it

Discomfort in the eyes: causes and help

Discomfort in the eyes is a common state of a modern person. Constant stay in front of the monitor and TV, dust and smog in big cities, the use of low-quality cosmetics, allergies to plant blooms – these factors play an important role in the health of the organs of vision. Often, unpleasant sensations in the eyes indicate the development of the disease, but often treatment of inflammation of the eye is not required – you just need to get rid of redness and dryness.

Causes of a burning sensation in the eyes

A burning sensation in the eyes may be the first sign of conjunctivitis – an inflammatory process in the conjunctival sac of the eye, which is considered infectious and requires medical treatment. Conjunctivitis is manifested not only by a burning sensation in the eyes, but also by their redness, profuse lacrimation and accumulation of purulent contents.

If there are no pronounced signs of conjunctivitis, then the causes of burning in the eyes are commonplace – contact with mucous membranes of dust / dirt, excessive stress, the use of low-quality cosmetics.

How can you help:

1. Do not rub your eyes with your hands if you feel a burning sensation, as infection may spread.
2. If a person spends a long time in front of a computer monitor or works with printed documents, then you can get rid of the burning sensation in the eyes by simply blinking and resting. You need to be distracted, look at other objects, blink often for 30 seconds, or close your eyes, lie down / sit down and relax for 15-20 minutes.
3. You can drink tea made from chamomile medicinal or comfrey herb – these herbs have a calming effect on the organs of vision. You can do with ordinary green tea – it also has a positive effect on the health of the organs of vision.

Dryness and redness of the eyes

The cause of this condition can be the ingress of a foreign body into the eye – it immediately turns red, tears flow from it, but at the same time, dryness of the mucous membrane is noted, and “scratching” of the eyeball is felt.In this case, you can help with a handkerchief or cotton swab – you need to carefully try to remove the foreign body from the eye. But if you cannot quickly remove a foreign body from the eye, you need to contact an ophthalmologist.

Dry eyes can be associated with excessive stress – this condition is often diagnosed in people who work with a computer. In this case, a person will complain of a slight burning sensation and pressure in the eyes, itching will appear, and after rubbing with his hands – redness.There are eye drops for dryness and fatigue – they are sold in pharmacies and are recommended for people whose work activity is associated with eye strain.

In case of eye fatigue, accompanied by dryness and redness, you can also use folk remedies – apply ice cubes to your eyes for 5-10 minutes, make a tea compress for 7 minutes, rinse your eyes with rose water.

Eye inflammation

Often, inflammation of the eyelid is accompanied by discomfort.This disease is called blepharitis and is treated with specific medications. Many people, when discomfort appears in their eyes, begin to take some measures themselves – this is right. But if the discomfort does not disappear 3-4 days after the procedures, an accumulation of purulent contents appears on the eyelashes after sleep, then you should seek qualified medical help. How to treat redness of the eyes in inflammatory processes, which drugs will be most effective and how long to take therapy, can only be determined by a doctor.

If you do not seek qualified help in a timely manner, complications may develop. For example, the pathological process will spread and inflammation of the lining of the eye may develop, or blepharitis will turn into a chronic form of the course, which will provoke visual impairment.

Any discomfort in the eyes is a sign of problems, so you need to take seriously even minor violations, a slight deterioration in well-being. Eye drops from inflammation and redness should be selected only by a specialist, because self-medication can lead to the development of an allergic reaction and deterioration of the state of the organs of vision.And all known folk remedies should be used only as an adjuvant therapy and after consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Information about the cases in which inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eyes develops in a child and what drugs are used for treatment can be obtained on the pages of our website https://www.dobrobut.com/.

Related Articles:

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in children
Reasons for the appearance of flies in front of the eyes

90,000 Eyes and coronavirus infections

According to statistics, about 30% of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 complained of discomfort in the eyes and various visual impairments.In most cases, this problem persisted for up to 2 weeks.

Conjunctivitis in coronavirus infection develops due to the penetration of viral particles through the mucous membranes of the eyes, which are the “gateway” for the virus. Therefore, in the general recommendations for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 it is said: you can not touch your face with dirty hands , as well as rub your eyes. The best eye protection for this infection is a pair of glasses that will fit snugly around the face and good hand hygiene.

Signs of viral conjunctivitis often appear several days before an acute immune reaction of the body in the form of an increase in body temperature. After that, there is general weakness, muscle pain, impaired sense of smell.

The general clinical picture of eye damage includes: redness of the eyes, photophobia, lacrimation, cramps in the eyes, a feeling of dryness, a feeling of motes, itching, burning, blurred vision, decreased visual acuity. Most often, coronavirus infection affects both eyes and the clinical picture in both eyes develops in the same way.

Also, scientists have proven that coronavirus infection lives on the eyelids and eyelashes for up to 2 days. An interesting fact is that patients complaining of cramps, redness and discomfort in the eyes in combination with loss of smell, less likely to have severe forms of COVID-19, in contrast to those patients who did not have these signs. Their illness was easier, without complications in the form of pneumonia and heart failure.

The risk group includes small children and the elderly who do not always follow the rules of personal hygiene responsibly.Carried away by an interesting game, children often touch their faces and rub their eyes. Also, there is a high probability of getting sick for those who, by the nature of their work, are forced to contact a large number of people. With a strong cough, sneezing, the likelihood of spreading infected saliva increases several meters.

The mucous membrane of the eye suffers from the penetration of a coronavirus infection into it – a powerful inflammatory process develops in it, which can affect the cornea and retina of the eye.

One of the ways to prevent the penetration of coronavirus infection into the eyes is to rinse the mucous membrane of the eyes with isotonic sodium chloride solution (drops “Okusalin”).At the first signs of obvious eye inflammation, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.

Observe the rules of personal hygiene, take care of yourself and be healthy!

90,000 Burning sensation in the eyes – causes of appearance, under what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment methods

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication.In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For a diagnosis and correct prescription of treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Burning sensation in the eyes: causes of appearance, for what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Burning eyes, a feeling of sand, itching are extremely unpleasant symptoms that can occur as a result of strong overexertion, prolonged sitting at the computer, unfavorable environmental conditions, and against the background of various diseases and pathological processes.

Attempts to independently get rid of the burning sensation in the eyes can only aggravate the condition, especially when the cause is not clear.

Varieties of burning sensation in the eyes

There is no generally accepted classification of conditions and diseases that manifest a burning sensation in the eyes, so you should focus on the causes of this condition – they can be endogenous and exogenous.

Possible causes of burning in the eyes

Strong wind, smoke or a lot of dust is a fairly common cause of burning eyes.If the eyes calm down after the irritant stops acting, there is no cause for concern.

Burning eyes can be a reaction to chemicals such as shampoo, soap, chlorinated pool water, cosmetics, etc.

Long-term contact lens wear can also cause discomfort, which a person describes as burning or gritty eyes.

Eye discomfort (burning sensation combined with itching and redness) often accompanies allergic reactions to smog, smoke, dust, mold, pollen, or pet dander.However, even clean, but hot and dry air can cause such an unpleasant symptom – this is due to the fact that the tear film that protects the eyes dries quickly and does not have time to recover.

If a foreign object gets into the eyes, it can also cause burning, itching and soreness.

In some cases, a burning sensation signals serious diseases of the organs of vision, which include ophthalmic rosacea (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects various structures of the eye), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eye), dry eye syndrome (characterized by a decrease in tear production, which leads to a violation of the natural protection of the eyes) and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid).

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye) of various etiologies, including the complication of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and other infectious diseases, always manifests itself as a burning sensation in the eyes. The harbinger of conjunctivitis can be the so-called barley (inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelash or Zeiss sebaceous gland).

In rare cases, a burning and gritty sensation in the eyes is a symptom of more serious diseases: uveitis (inflammation of the choroid of the eye, which can lead to decreased or even loss of vision) or orbital cellulitis (infectious inflammation of the soft tissue behind the eye).

Thus, the appearance of burning in the eyes is characteristic of the following diseases and conditions:

1. Dry eye syndrome.
2. Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye).
3. Blepharitis (inflammation of the skin of the eyelids).
4. Keratitis (inflammation in the cornea of ​​the eye).
5. Chronic meibomyitis (inflammation of the glands located in the eyelid).
6. Orbital cellulite.
7. Uveitis.
8. Ophthalmic rosacea.
9. Autoimmune diseases (Sjogren’s syndrome).
10. Incorrect use of contact lenses.
11. Eye injuries.

Which doctors should I contact for burning eyes

An ophthalmologist deals with the treatment of eye diseases. He prescribes the necessary tests, conducts additional specialized examinations. In case of suspicion of an infectious or autoimmune disease, it may be necessary to consult an infectious disease doctor and a rheumatologist.

Diagnostics and examinations for burning in the eyes

Careful collection of anamnesis, taking into account all patient complaints, examination and diagnostic studies will help to establish the correct diagnosis.

• A clinical blood test with an expanded leukocyte count is necessary to identify inflammatory processes in various infectious diseases.

What to do if there is a burning sensation in the eyes

You can not rub your eyes, instill eye drops without a doctor’s prescription, wear contact lenses.

If the burning sensation is caused by contact with household chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes, the first thing to do is to remove your contact lenses (if any). Then rinse your eyes with moisturizing drops or artificial tears, if available, or use boiled (not hot!) Or bottled water. Regular tap water can contain a variety of microorganisms, which will only exacerbate the situation, as there is a risk of eye infection.

Cold, wet compresses on closed eyes also help relieve burning sensation.

If a product for which there is an instruction has got into your eyes, you should carefully read it, often there are recommendations for such a case.

Grains of sand should be removed from the eye gently, with a corner of a clean napkin or a cotton swab, never with your hands.

Avoid fatigue, prolonged eye strain. As a prevention of drying out of the cornea, you can use moisturizing eye drops, artificial tears.

Carefully approach the choice of cosmetics, especially if you have a history of allergic reactions.

Thorough hygiene, washing hands, regularly cleaning the room from dust, following all the rules when wearing contact lenses and regularly visiting an ophthalmologist for preventive examinations will help to avoid many eye problems.

If the burning sensation in the eyes is persistent, you should seek ophthalmic help, do not self-medicate.

Burning eyes treatment

If your eyes are burning due to a bacterial infection, your doctor may recommend antibacterial eye drops.The duration of treatment, the frequency of use and the type of the drug are determined by the doctor after a thorough examination of the patient and all the necessary tests.

Dry eye syndrome therapy includes several areas:

• stimulation of tear production,
• creating conditions for reducing the outflow of tear fluid,
• creating conditions to reduce evaporation of the tear film,
• use of drugs – tear substitutes.

In addition, the wearing of sunglasses with a high degree of protection filter is indicated to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation and the progression of damage to the membranes of the eye.

In rare cases, dry eye syndrome requires surgery.

If an allergy is the cause of the burning sensation in the eyes, antihistamine eye drops or pills are prescribed.

Sources:

1. Brzheskiy V.V. Dry eye syndrome – a disease of civilization: modern diagnostic and treatment options.Journal “Medical Bulletin”. 2013.S. 114-117.
2. Zhilyakova E.T., Novikova M.Yu., Novikov O.O. On the problem of prevention and treatment of infectious eye diseases. Scientific Result journal. Vol. 2, No. 3, 2016. P. 1–8.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For a diagnosis and correct prescription of treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Information checked by expert

Lishova Ekaterina Alexandrovna

Higher medical education, work experience – 19 years

Discomfort when wearing lenses – dryness when wearing contact lenses

What affects the tolerance of contact lenses?

The appearance of discomfort while wearing contact lenses is due to the patient’s failure to comply with the doctor’s recommendations or the term / mode of wearing the lenses.But sometimes temporary intolerance occurs due to illness or injury of the cornea, conjunctivitis and other diseases of the conjunctiva, rarely – with insufficient production of tear fluid that moisturizes the eyes. In some cases, the reason may lie in mechanical damage to the eye, inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Causes and symptoms of discomfort when wearing lenses

Reasons

1. Ambient conditions: smoky air, windy weather, indoor air conditioning, etc.
2. Failure to comply with the timing of replacement and / or contact lens wear: for example, if you do not remove your lenses at night, if you wear them for more than 12 hours in a row, if you do not replace old MCLs with new ones when the time is right (wear 2-week lenses 15 and longer than days, etc.), use lenses during colds.
3. Illiterately selected parameters of contact lenses: we are talking not only about the mode of wearing, optical power, diameter and radius of curvature. A good doctor chooses lenses based on the individual characteristics of the patient’s organ of vision and wearing conditions.It takes into account the room in which the patient works or lives (humidity level), the peculiarities of his work (with papers, at the computer, etc.), general health and the presence of allergies. When choosing lenses, a doctor’s examination of the fit of a specific contact lens on the eye on a slit lamp (biomicroscope) is mandatory.
4. Incorrectly selected solution: sometimes the problem lies not in the lenses themselves, but in the solution in which they are stored (if we are not talking about one-day MCL). The patient may develop individual intolerance to the components.

Symptoms

Discomfort when wearing contact lenses can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The most common problems that occur are:

1. When you put on a contact lens or at any other time when it is on the eye, you experience burning, itching, tingling, pain in the eyes.
2. You have the feeling that a speck, dust or other object has got into your eye, but there is no foreign body in it.
3. Eyes watery for no reason, including when the wind is light, while working at the computer and in other situations to which they had not previously reacted in any way.
4. Pus or other atypical discharge forms in the eyes.
5. Eyes blush for no reason, regardless of the time of day and stress.
6. You see worse by the end of the day, or your vision has generally begun to decline.
7. Dots, circles often appear before the eyes, vision becomes less clear, the contours of the image are distorted.
8. The eyes have become sensitive to light.
9. You have dry eye syndrome.

Any discomfort is a reason to remove the MCL and consult an ophthalmologist.

What causes dry eyes

The reasons for dryness are: non-observance of the MCL wearing regime, untimely replacement, incorrect selection of care products (solutions may not be combined with the corrective agent or not suitable for the eye), improper lens fit, due to which the tear fluid cannot fully circulate.

A doctor should determine the cause of dryness. Only after a consultation he will be able to recommend what you need to do: replace lenses, a solution, or just drip special drops into your eyes to avoid discomfort.

What complications are

Discomfort does not arise just like that – it is always caused by some reason. In correctly selected contact lenses, a person does not feel anything uncomfortable, and the lenses themselves are absolutely not felt.Depending on what triggered the discomfort, a variety of complications can develop. For example, mechanical damage to the MCL or improper fit leads to damage to the surface of the cornea. If the discomfort is caused by an allergy, it can lead to conjunctivitis.

What to do to avoid discomfort while wearing lenses?

In no case should you tolerate discomfort, remove contact lenses immediately. After that, carefully inspect them: there is no dirt or damage on the surface.Also examine the eye, maybe a speck has got under the lens, and the reason is in it. If there is no damage to the product, rinse it in the solution, disinfect it to remove all deposits, and only then put it on. If discomfort persists, relieve it again and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Many patients perceive unpleasant sensations calmly and do not consider them dangerous, or deliberately, for some reason or fear, refuse to visit the ophthalmologist.We do not get tired of repeating, because this is very important – with correctly selected lenses, not only should there be no discomfort, but also the very sensation of the lens in the eye! That is why you need to see a doctor. The doctor’s task is not to prohibit, not to scare, but to determine the cause of the discomfort and cope with it, to help the patient see perfectly. There are no real reasons for fear to see a doctor. And in the optics salons “Ochkarik” eye examination and doctor’s consultation are absolutely free using the Eye Health Care Card or through the My Acuvue application!

What should you do to avoid discomfort?

One of the most common causes of discomfort is improper lens care and violation of doctor’s recommendations.Therefore, first of all, it is worth following all the rules:

1. Only the lenses that your doctor has fitted are allowed. Self-selection of correction means can really harm your health. For example, in America it is impossible to buy contact lenses anywhere without a prescription for them from a doctor.
2. Do not use correction means longer than the established period: wear for more than 12 hours without a break (it is better to check the duration of continuous wear with an ophthalmologist), use after the expiration of the period (2 weeks for two weeks, a month for monthly, etc.).
3. You need to take care of the lenses: use solutions selected by the doctor, wash the container, etc.
4. Once or even twice a year you need to visit a specialist. The doctor will assess the condition of the cornea and carry out another diagnosis, based on the results of which he will determine whether the prescribed MCL can be worn or it is worth choosing others.
5. When working indoors with dry air, use eye drops that your doctor will also select for you. It is not worth buying them without the recommendation of a specialist, since you need to take into account the compatibility of drops and lenses.

In some cases, the problem disappears if you switch to glasses for a while, in others it is necessary to replace the MCL with other, more suitable ones, and thirdly, you cannot do without treatment. But the sooner you see your doctor, the better (and the less chance of possible complications).

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