Dr Chng Nai Wee
Ophthalmologist
Source: Shutterstock
Red, Itchy Eyes: Allergy or Infection?
Last updated: Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 3 min reading time
Are your itchy eyes a sign of an infection or an allergy?
| Allergy | Infection |
|---|---|
| Immune system's response to common allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander | Caused by a virus or bacteria or protozoa |
Tell the difference by the symptoms
| Allergy | Infection | |
|---|---|---|
| Red eyes | Yes | Yes |
| Itching | Yes | Yes |
| Severe itching | Yes | No |
| Burning sensation | Yes | Yes |
| Clear, watery discharge | Yes | Yes |
| Gritty feel in eyes | Yes | Yes |
| Both eyes affected | Yes | Yes if viral, no if bacterial |
| Pain | No | Yes |
| Sensitivity to light | No | Yes |
| Thick yellow discharge | No | Yes – Bacterial |
| Accompanied by a fever | No | Yes |
How to treat itchy eyes?
| Allergy | Infection |
|---|---|
| * Allergy eye drops * Oral antihistamine |
* Viral infections symptoms can improve with eye drop medications * Take antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infection |
If you are concerned about your itchy eyes, or if you're experiencing unusual symptoms, consult an eye specialist to get a clear diagnosis and treatment options available.
Jacquelyn Cafasso (10/12/2018) Do I Have Pink Eye or Allergies? Retrieved on 01/07/2019 https://www.healthline.com/health/pink-eye-or-allergies#treatments
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