Red, itchy or watery eyes are something we all experience occasionally – in fact, most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. The symptoms of the allergic eye condition itching, redness and watering are often confused with infections. This distinction between eye allergy and eye infection is important because they have different causes, symptoms and treatments.
This blog describes the difference between allergy and infection and when you might need professional eye care.
What Are Eye Allergies?
An eye allergy, also known as allergic eye inflammation, it is the way your eyes react to allergens that get in your eyes and cause a reaction. Eye allergies can be caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, cigarette smoke or mold.
When the immune system is exposed to allergens, it releases histamines which itch, become red and watery as well as swell. Eye allergies are not contagious and often appear with other allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy or runny nose, and sneezing.
What Are Eye Infections?
There are a lot of different types of eye infections and they can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, affecting various parts of the eye.
The most typical form is known as conjunctivitis; here, one also finds bacterial conjunctivitis, which includes redness and discharge. Unlike an allergy, eye infections are usually contagious and can be transmitted through contact with infected hands, towels or cosmetics.
Difference Between Eye Allergy and Eye Infection
Recognizing how symptoms manifest helps to distinguish allergies from infections.
Itchy eyes vs eye infection: Allergy responses make your eye itch, and infections generally hurt rather than itching.
Eye redness allergy or infection: Both cause redness, but while redness associated with allergy is often accompanied by itching and tears.
Watery eyes vs discharge: Watery clear tears indicate allergies, whereas thick yellow or green gooey discharge would suggest infection.
These differences are crucial to the diagnosis.
Key Symptoms of Eye Allergies
Symptoms of eye allergies are typically mild to moderate, and also affect both eyes.
Typically symptoms are severe itching, redness, watery eyes, burning of the eye and eyelid swelling or redness and light sensitivity. Symptoms typically exacerbate during exposure to allergens and alleviate with avoidance of triggers.
Key Symptoms of Eye Infections
Eye infections tend to have more pronounced and persistent symptoms.
These can consist of redness, pain, swelling and crusting of eyelids, copious thick discharge and blurry vision and sometimes fevers. Bacterial conjunctivitis may produce sticky discharge that can prevent the eyelids from opening, especially following awakening.
Allergic Conjunctivitis vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis differ in cause and treatment.
For allergic conjunctivitis, previous history of allergens and response to antihistamine eye drops and allergen avoidance were noted. The bacterial form of conjunctivitis also requires antibiotic drops or ointments, which an eye doctor can prescribe. Doing the wrong treatment can worsen the condition, so a correct diagnosis is critical.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Red Eyes
If redness does not clear up or gets worse, and if you also have impaired vision, see an eye specialist.
If you have severe pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, thick discharge or if the symptoms last beyond a few days visit your doctor right away. If you are not certain whether it is an allergy or an infection, see a doctor for proper treatment. Selection of best Eye Specialist in Hyderabad can prevent complications and save your vision.
How Are Eye Allergies and Infections Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is typically a result of careful examination of the eye and medical history.
Specialists examine symptoms, discharge characteristics and the reaction to light. Lab tests in some cases are needed to verify infection. And accurate diagnosis guides whether patients need allergy medication or antibiotics.
Treatment Options for Eye Allergies and Eye Infections
Treatment varies depending on the cause.
Eye allergies are treated with antihistamine drops, artificial tears, and cold compresses. Antibiotic or antiviral medications may be needed for eye infections. Avoid self-medication without diagnosis because it may slow healing.
Conclusion:
It is important to know the difference of eye allergies vs. infections in order to treat correctly and ensure rapid relief. Whereas eye allergies can prompt itching and watering, infections lead to pain and drainage. Timely identification and care by experts can prevent complications, safeguarding long-term vision.
A team of experienced eye specialists give cutting-edge diagnosis and customised treatment for any kind of eye condition at Neoretina. Neoretina is equipped with latest cutting- edge technology in the field of ophthalmology and we have been offering safe and advanced vision care for the patients to get clarity of the eye site since decades.
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