How to Tell if you Have an Eye Allergy or an Eye Infection?

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between eye problems, especially since many of them present themselves with similar symptoms. Fortunately, we’ve got the lowdown on how to tell eye allergies and eye infections apart.

Causes of Eye Allergies

There are lots of potential triggers for eye allergies, including:
 

• Pollen
   

• Dust
   

• Mold spores
   

• Animal dander
   

• Cleaning chemicals
   

• Smoke 
   

• Perfume
   

• Exhaust fumes
   

• Paint 

Every person is different, so what triggers your eye allergies could be different from someone else. 

How Are Eye Allergies Treated?

Prevention is better than treatment where eye allergies are concerned, and your eye doctor will recommend that you do as much as you can to prevent coming into contact with your allergy triggers, or reducing your exposure to them. For example, by keeping windows closed in summer to prevent pollen from entering your home, or by wearing protective eyewear to keep smoke or cleaning chemical fumes away from your eyes.

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, you may be offered a range of treatments, from artificial tears and medicated eyedrops to antihistamines. You may need to try several different treatments to find out which works best for you. 

Symptoms

There is a range of symptoms that are associated with eye allergies. These include, but aren’t limited to:
 

• Redness
   

• Excessive watering/tearing
   

• Itchy eyes
   

• Sticky eyelashes, especially in the morning 
   

• Eyelashes may be covered in mucus that sticks your eyelids closed
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Painful/stinging eyes
   

• Eye fatigue
   

What Are Eye Infections?

Eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or even fungi, manage to get into the eye. This can include the conjunctiva which lines the eyes as well as the eye itself. Some eye infections can be mild and will go away on their own, but others can be serious unless they are treated. 

Symptoms

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be that you have an eye infection, and you should arrange an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as you can:
 

• Itchy eyes 
   

• A sensation like there is a foreign body in or on the eye
   

• A burning sensation
   

• Pain or discomfort
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Excessive watering
   

• The eyelid is tender to the touch
   

• Redness or inflammation
   

• The skin of the eyelids feels hot to the touch
   

• The white part of your eye looks pink or red
   

• You are experiencing discharge from one or both eyes
   

• Your eyelids and eyelashes are crusty, especially in the morning
   

• It may be difficult for you to wear contact lenses
   

• Blurred vision

Common Eye Infections and Treatments

Exactly what treatment you will need will depend on the type of eye infection that you have. Your eye doctor will be able to confirm a diagnosis and then recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. For example:

Conjunctivitis. Easily one of the most common eye infections, conjunctivitis is also known as pinkeye as this is one of the main symptoms it causes. Conjunctivitis can be bacterial or viral. Viral conjunctivitis can’t be treated and will go away on its own, although you’ll need to keep your eyes extremely clean until it does. Meanwhile, treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis can include antibiotic eye drops or pills. You may also be given antihistamines.

Keratitis. This occurs when the cornea, which is the clear dome covering the front of the eye becomes infected. Medicated eye drops are normally recommended, although you may require antibiotics or antifungal eye drops, or even oral medications to help. 

Blepharitis. This eye infection affects the eyelids, causing them to become puffy and swollen. It’s usually bacterial in nature, and treatments include comprehensively cleaning your eyelids, using eye drops to lubricate the surface of your eyes, steroid eye drops, and antibiotics. 

For more advice on telling the difference between eye allergies or eye infections, visit Great Eye Doctor of Burleson in Burleson, Texas. Call (817) 295-0186 to schedule an appointment.