Eye swelling and pain. Allergy or infection?

[eunjung]

My sister was diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis and has had it for the last several weeks. Her eyes occasionally swelled, but they remained white instead of pink or red. In the last few days, my sister developed severe ocular pain, more painful swelling (no bulging), and eye watering (clear).  She followed up with an ophthalmologist and took their directions, but there's no help.

What can possibly cause my sister's eye swelling and other symptoms?  Could this be an infection?

If it's a hereditary allergy, what steps can I take to avoid developing similar symptoms?

[eunjung]

Her lids do not swell much. The whites of her eyes were swollen. I don't think she has sinus problems, and she does not wear contacts. She sometimes has itching in the back of the eye and near the inside of the eye.

She got the second opinion like you recommended, and she started taking antibiotic drops from her new doctor. Would the antibiotic drops help the symptoms in the front and back of her eyes, too?

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Most common signs of eye allergies are redness and itchy, watery eyes.  Are her lids swollen or the white of her eye?  Does she have any sinus problems?  Does she wear contact lenses? If it presists or gets worse you may want to get a second opinion.

HV