It’s first thing in the morning, and you’re rubbing your eyes. They really itch. A quick glance in the mirror reveals they are red and irritated as well. Don’t just reach for your trusty eye drops. First you need to make sure you have an eye allergy and not an eye infection. Here’s how to tell the difference.
The Allergic Overreaction
When your body overreacts to a harmless substance like dander or dust, it’s usually a sign you have an allergy. Those triggers send your immune system into overdrive. When it encounters pollen, your body unleashes histamines that expand your blood vessels. You may start to sneeze or cough. It’s also common for people with allergies to have itchy, watery eyes. One reason these people benefit from eye drops formulated for allergies is because they contain antihistamine. Unfortunately, this might not help if you have an eye infection. Even worse, you could spread the infection to others. At least allergies, for all their downsides, are not contagious.
Remember, eye allergies are triggered by allergens like pet dander, dust, or pollen. While drops can help, often the best treatment is reducing your exposure. That means buying air purifiers and vacuums that feature high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Regularly launder bedding and wash your pets. You might want to reduce allergens where you sleep by keeping your bedroom off limits to anything with four legs. Close your windows at night when pollen counts are high and consider getting rid of any carpeting.
The Infection Connection
Unlike allergies, eye infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Both allergies and infections can trigger itching, burning, tearing eyes. However, along with those symptoms, eye infections can also feature pain and light sensitivity. Your eyes may feel gritty, and with bacterial infections the discharge is thicker than with allergies. If it’s a viral infection, you may notice the discharge resembles mucus. Allergies usually involve both eyes while infections can target just one.
The best way to prevent eye infections is through frequent hand washing. Work to minimize face and eye touching. Make sure you have washed your hands thoroughly before inserting contact lenses or using cosmetics.
The dreaded pink eye or conjunctivitis is far and away the most common infection. It can be triggered by either a virus or a bacteria, and it’s easily spread. Interestingly, it’s also possible to have allergic conjunctivitis. Whether caused by bacteria, virus, or allergens, the condition is marked by inflamed tissue inside the eyelid or outside of the eyeball. This tissue is called the conjunctiva.
Even if you are prone to allergies, that doesn’t mean you can assume your latest bout of itchy eyes isn’t an infection. Although eye infections caused by a virus generally clear up on their own, those caused by other sources often require prescription medication such as antibiotics. You may find some relief from cold compresses or even a warm washcloth over the eyes. However, if the redness and irritation persists or if you have other symptoms of an infection, you will want to see your health care provider for a clear-eyed diagnosis.
Written by John Bankston
