Spring Time Red Eyes: Allergies or Pink Eye?

By Dr. Julia Simon Dunnavant Mar 29, 2018

Spring is officially here and that has many people hopeful warm weather will arrive soon. But often times the change in weather brings on those red, puffy, itchy eyes.

Is it Pink Eye or is it Allergies?

Pink eye and allergies can come on with similar symptoms and it is important to be able to distinguish between the two.

Pink eye, or Acute Conjunctivitis, is a viral or bacterial infection of the mucus membranes that cover the white surface of the eyes and line the inside of the eyelids. Symptoms include eye pain, swelling of the eyelids, redness, light sensitivity, and a thick or gooey discharge. Pink eye normally affects only one eye initially but usually spreads to both eyes quickly.

If you believe you have pink eye, contact Savoy, Siegel and Desai immediately at 201-333-2768. If left untreated, pink eye can cause changes to the vision.

Allergic Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the same membranes due to irritants in our environment. Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms occur in both eyes and include redness, swelling of the eyelids, dark circles, watery discharge, contact lens intolerance – and most notably, ITCH.

What Causes Allergic Conjunctivitis?

• The outdoors – pollen, fresh grass growth, ragweed

• The indoors – mold, dust, animal dander, smoke

• Your medication cabinet – cosmetics, contact lenses, skin care products

How to Prevent Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Avoid allergens – Listen to the morning weather report – if pollen counts are high keep windows and doors closed and try to stay indoors

• Dust and vacuum frequently to remove allergens from your home

• Change sheets and towels frequently

• Keep your air clean – most air-conditioning units require regular replacement of air filters

Keep Your Eyes Clean

• Avoid contact lenses, especially if your eyes are red or itchy

• Replace make up frequently

• Use a daily over the counter lubricating eye drop

• Daily cool compress on the eyes

• Eyelid hygiene – you can use over the counter lid scrubbing pads specially formulated to remove allergens and dandruff buildup from the eyelashes.

• Head to the optometrist for an eye exam – if your eyes have been red, swollen, itchy or runny, an optometrist can help by prescribing specially formulated eye drops that include antihistamine and anti-inflammatory medications to calm your symptoms.