Eye problem

[Crazyhorse8]

I have a recurring problem with my eyes which has affected me in the last three years. This problem occurs when I do exercise or anything that makes my blood pressure increase. Whenever my blood pressure increases my eyes become very red and sore. My eyes become very red and sore and hives appear on my eyelids. My eye rash started as a bit of raw skin at the outer corners where my eyes would tear, then spread to the fold of my upper eyelids, and now the entire undereye area of both eyes is painful, itchy, red and raw. After drinking alcohol the eye rash becomes much worse and causes me great pain. I have had an allergy test and are only allergic to milk and nuts. However I have discarded these foods from my diet and still have the same problem. I just wondered if the blood circulation or blood vessels around my eyes could have an effect on my eyes.

Dafydd

[Crazyhorse8]

Thank you for your advice and I will see my GP for the tests stated. However, could my symptoms be because I have weak blood vessels in and around my eyes? With this when I do exercise my blood pressure increases and due to the fact my blood vessels are weak and 'over-dilate' they cause the redness and inflammation on my eyelids? Could the rash on the corner of my eyes be caused by the weak blood vessels? I recently saw an eye specialist who stated that my blood vessels excessively dilate. I'm only curious because I have had two allergen skin tests in the past and are only allergic to milk and nuts. My eye problem only occurs when my blood pressure increases.

Kind regards Dafydd

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, your symptoms are suggestive of allergic conjunctivitis. It is predominantly seen in young adults (20-25 yrs of age). This happens as soon one is exposed to allergen. Exercise can add up to increase the eye congestion. You need to avoid alcohol, as you can be allergic or intolerant.

You need to get evaluated clinically as well as certain tests will be help to determine the cause, they are

- Conjunctival scrapings - may be evaluated for the presence of eosinophils.
- Tear film levels of IgE
- Mast cell activity can be measured by immunoassay testing of tears

Usual management consists of  

- Basic eye care - you should not rub your eyes.
- Treatment of dry eyes- use of artificial tears throughout the day will dilute the allergen.
- Allergen avoidance- You need to find the allergen and you need to avoid further exposure. Keep a diary of all the things you are exposed to rule out the allergens.         -  Allergy evaluation - You need to consult allergy specialist for evaluation of the allergen by skin testing. A history of concomitant rhinitis, asthma, or systemic allergic will be useful to know the allergen.

I suggest you to consult allergy specialist. Take care and regards.