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Medical Author:

Jay Robert Woody, MD

Jay Robert Woody, MD

Dr. Jay Woody is a diplomat of the American Board of Emergency Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine and is an Attending Physician at Parkland Health and Hospital System, Children's Medical Center of Dallas as well as several other north Texas facilities. He is a well-known and widely published authority in the field of emergency medicine and the former regional medical director of a freestanding emergency medicine practice.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Eye allergy facts
• Eye allergy introduction
• What causes eye allergies?
• What is the basic anatomy of the outer eye?
• Why are the eyes an easy target for allergies?
• What are symptoms and signs of eye allergies?
• What are allergic eye conditions?
• What are eyelid allergies (also called contact eye allergies)?
• What conditions can be confused with eye allergies?
• What is the treatment for eye allergies?
• What is the prognosis of eye allergies?
• Can eye allergies be prevented?
• Patient Comments: Eye Allergies - Causes
• Patient Comments: Eye Allergies - Prevention
• Patient Comments: Eye Allergy - Treatments
• Find a local Asthma & Allergy Specialist in your town
• Eye Allergy Index

Contact eye allergies are essentially contact dermatitis of the eyelids. This is allergic inflammation of the eyelid from direct contact with certain allergens. Women in particular may experience this problem due to allergic reactions to preservatives in eye products and makeup (for example, eye creams, eyeliner or eye pencils, mascara, and nail polish -- from rubbing the eye with the fingers). Other irritants include common over-the-counter (OTC) ointments such as neomycin/bacitracin/polymyxin (Neosporin or Bacitracin) as well as contact lens solutions (especially if they contain thimerosal). Symptoms that are similar to those of a poison ivy rash appear 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the offending agent. The eyelids may develop blisters, itching, and redness. The conjunctiva may also become red and watery. If the eyelids continually come into contact with the offending allergens, the lids may become chronically (long term) inflamed and thickened.

The best treatment for eyelid allergies is avoidance of the sensitizing agent(s). Changing to hypoallergenic lens solutions, cosmetics, or topical eye products is usually necessary. Application of a mild topical corticosteroid cream for short periods will probably help. As is the case with atopic dermatitis, it is important to treat any secondary bacterial infection that may develop.