1. Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow Pictures
2. Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures
3. Laser Eye Surgery Slideshow Pictures

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.

View Full Profile

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.

View Full Profile

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

The following is a list of conditions, the symptoms of which are commonly confused with eye allergy.

• Dry eye: This condition results from reduced tear production and is frequently confused with allergy. The main symptoms are usually burning, grittiness, or the sensation of "something in the eye." Dry eye usually occurs in people over 65 years of age and can certainly be worsened by oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax), Claritin, or Zyrtec, sedatives, and beta-blocker medications.



• Tear-duct obstruction: This is caused by a blockage in the tear passage that extends from the eyes to the nasal cavity. This condition is also typically seen in the elderly. The main complaint is watery eyes that do not itch. Allergy testing will be negative in this case.



• Conjunctivitis due to infection can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. In bacterial infections, the eyes are often "bright red" and the eyelids stick together, especially in the morning. A discolored mucous discharge is often seen, so-called "dirty eyes." Viral conjunctivitis causes slight redness of the eyes and a glassy appearance from tearing. Adenovirus is a major cause of viral conjunctivitis. Herpesviruses, such as the varizella virus that causes chickenpox or shingles, can also affect the eye. Adenovirus infection is very contagious and may be spread by either direct contact, such as hand contact, or in contaminated swimming pools. You should seek medical attention if you suspect any of the above.

Allergy assist

• If your eye itches and is "milky" red, it is most likely allergy.
• If it burns, it is probably dry eye.
• If it "sticks" in the morning and is bright red, it is usually bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.