How do I know if I have an eye infection or allergies?

The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, it’s likely more than allergies. To get the right treatment, you’ll need your eye doctor to find out what’s behind your eye problem. Eye allergies aren’t contagious but they can be miserable to deal with.

Can allergies cause an eye infection?

Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen or mold spores. The inside of your eyelids and the covering of your eyeball have a membrane called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is susceptible to irritation from allergens, especially during hay fever season.

What do eye allergies feel like?

What Are the Symptoms. They include redness in the white of your eye or inner eyelid. Other warning signs: itching, tearing, blurred vision, a burning sensation, swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to light. Eye allergies can happen alone or with nasal allergies and an allergic skin condition called eczema.

How do you identify an eye infection?

You may notice problems like:

1. Pain or discomfort.
2. Itchy eyes.
3. Feeling that something’s on or in your eye.
4. Eye hurts when it’s bright (light sensitivity)
5. Burning in your eyes.
6. Small, painful lump under your eyelid or at the base of your eyelashes.
7. Eyelid is tender when you touch it.
8. Eyes won’t stop tearing up.

Can allergies affect just one eye?

Typically, both eyes are affected by an allergic reaction. Occasionally, only one eye is involved, particularly when only one eye is rubbed with an allergen, as this causes mast cells to release more histamine.

What is a viral infection in the eye?

Viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious acute conjunctival infection usually caused by an adenovirus. Symptoms include irritation, photophobia, and watery discharge. Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated.

Does an eye infection go away by itself?

It usually clears up without treatment in 7 to 14 days . Bacterial pink eye is caused by an infection with bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumonia. Antibiotics should start clearing up the infection within 24 hours of starting to use them.

What is the best treatment for eye allergies?

The most potent treatment for ocular allergy is topical corticosteroid eye drops (prednisolone, dexamethasone, loteprednol, difluprednate, fluoromethalone, rimexolone). These are very strong but have serious side effects when used in high doses or for long periods of time.

How to treat your eye allergy?

Avoid Triggers.

What causes allergies in Your Eyes?

But for some people, eye allergies can be a year-round issue. Most eye allergies are caused when allergens in the air—including pollen, dust mites, mold, pet hair or dander, smoke and makeup or perfumes—come in contact with the eyes. To fight off these allergens, your eyes produce histamine.