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Eye Irritation and Intermittent Blurriness
I'm 25 years old, healthy other than asthma/allergies and wear glasses. Yesterday I noticed that my right eye was feeling irritated and by the time I went to bed last night, it was quite red. I used plain eyedrops just for comfort (I think they were Nu Tears). This morning as I got up and got ready for class I've had several moments where that eye has been blurry, if I blink several times, I can blink away the blurriness, but the irritation/discomfort is still present. The most discomfort is felt while blinking. I have dealt with eye allergies in the past and currently take medicines for allergies (Allegra, Singulair) and for asthma (foradil, Qvar). This however is only present in one eye, my left eye is totally unaffected. Is this something to be concerned about? Is there anything other than the OTC drops that would help as well?
Higgy I am approximately around the same age as you and experiencing the same sysptopms it seems. I have been to 2 top opthamologists in my area for the same issue. Neither was able to see any issues after extensive medical testing. I wear contacts/glasses at night and have a strong perscription.
I was worried there were retinal tears as my family has a history of these however what I was told was that sometimes a film occurs (generally in males) around ages 25-40. It can clear up and can last as short as a wee up to a few months. I was skeptic, but I still have the issue now over 3 months later.
I was worried there were retinal tears as my family has a history of these however what I was told was that sometimes a film occurs (generally in males) around ages 25-40. It can clear up and can last as short as a wee up to a few months. I was skeptic, but I still have the issue now over 3 months later.
Dear Higgy,
It is difficult to be specific with the information you have provided. Eye allergies tend to involve both eyes at the same time. The fact that the eye clears with blinking suggests tear thickening which can be from allergy, early infection or superficial damage to the front of the eye. As long as the vision is unaffected, or improvable to normal with blinking, than you can wait a while. If the vision drops or the eye gets red, you probably need to see an ophthalmologist to rule out anything more serious.
AAO - Richard Bensinger, MD
It is difficult to be specific with the information you have provided. Eye allergies tend to involve both eyes at the same time. The fact that the eye clears with blinking suggests tear thickening which can be from allergy, early infection or superficial damage to the front of the eye. As long as the vision is unaffected, or improvable to normal with blinking, than you can wait a while. If the vision drops or the eye gets red, you probably need to see an ophthalmologist to rule out anything more serious.
AAO - Richard Bensinger, MD
You may have inadvertently scratch your eye lens. I have done this more than once. Rubbing the scratch with your eyelid, while blinking, would certanly hurt. This would also cause excess tearing, which could cause blurryness.
There is some OTC lubricant, like a vasloine for eyes, that you could try. It would make your vision VERY blurry, but is soothing and reduces the pain and irritation while your eye heals. Regular eye drops, like Visine, may cause more irritation.
It never hurts to see a doctor! ...unless they give you a shot.
There is some OTC lubricant, like a vasloine for eyes, that you could try. It would make your vision VERY blurry, but is soothing and reduces the pain and irritation while your eye heals. Regular eye drops, like Visine, may cause more irritation.
It never hurts to see a doctor! ...unless they give you a shot.
Yes, I have hayfever, hence the antihistamines....however it has been my experience that occular allergies occur in BOTH eyes typically.
Do you suffer from hayfever at all?
I have the same problem now in ine eye, and had it this time last year. The blurriness with me is caused by a thickening of the mucus and poor tear formation (so im told) and blinking clears it up. I am currently using Hypromellose (artificial tears) to help cleat it, but i would wait for a professional opinion before jumping the gun and buying something similar
I have the same problem now in ine eye, and had it this time last year. The blurriness with me is caused by a thickening of the mucus and poor tear formation (so im told) and blinking clears it up. I am currently using Hypromellose (artificial tears) to help cleat it, but i would wait for a professional opinion before jumping the gun and buying something similar
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