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Richmond Eye Associates
Eye Health and Disorders
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Introduction: Ocular burning and itching
Symptoms of ocular itching and
burning are very common. The eye is susceptible to allergies and irritations due
to the fact that it is a moist surface constantly in contact with the air, and
all of its pollutants. Furthermore, bacteria thrive on moist surfaces, and can
cause substantial irritation as well. Some of these bacteria related conditions
can progress beyond simple itching, and can lead to a scratchy sensation or even
pain.
Other conditions capable of causing eye itching and burning that are discussed
on other pages of this Symptom and Diagnosis section are listed below with
possible distinguishing features.
Read this important information
before proceeding further:
These sections are not intended to replace the professional examination and
diagnosis by a physician, and they are presented here purely for informational purposes.
All possible diagnoses and treatment options are not covered, and the information
discussed should not be taken as a recommendation to self-diagnose and self-treat a
condition. A misdiagnosed or improperly treated eye condition can result in a permanent
loss of vision, or a permanent loss of function of the eye or visual system. In the case
of any eye problem, seek medical attention promptly. This can include emergency room
treatment, as well as treatment by a medical physician or eyecare provider.
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Conditions Discussed on this Page:
For eye anatomy explanations, go to
ANATOMY
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Blepharitis is a non-specific term signifying infection
or inflammation of the eyelids. It is a
extremely common cause of ocular redness, itching, burning, and generalized irritation.
Other symptoms include discharge (especially in the mornings), a scratchy sensation,
tearing, and temporary blurred vision. The condition tends to involve both eyes.
Blepharitis
occurs when bacteria begin to excessively grow at the edge of the eyelid. This is a moist
surface with plenty substances for bacteria to thrive on, including exfoliated skin and oil
secretions. People tend to avoid cleaning near the eye, further aggravating this problem.
Bacteria at the edge of the lids create irritating toxins which irritate the eye, and the
glands of the eyelids themselves can become infected.
There are about 30 glands which open at the edge of each eyelid, and these are oil
producing glands. Some people have a dysfunction of these glands where the secretion is
abnormally thick and becomes trapped in the gland. This creates further irritation and can
lead to stye formation. People with the skin condition known as "rosacea" tend
to have blepharitis and dysfunction of these oil glands.
Treatment of blepharitis involves foremost cleaning of the eyelids. Warm compress can
be used to help loosen up debris. There are commercially available kits for eyelid
cleansing ("Eyescrub", "Occu-cleanse") which also contain a mild soapy
solution and small gauze pads. Some physicians recommend using diluted baby shampoo to
clean the eyelid, although this can cause irritation in some people, and care has to be
taken not to get soap in the eyes. Artificial tears during the day may help to relieve
irritation. Antibiotic ointment can be used on the lids at bedtime to reduce the bacterial
load. Sometimes antibiotics my mouth are needed.
This condition tends to have relapses, but continued efforts at eyelid cleaning may
help to prevent problems.
Return to Condition List
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The eyes are commonly affected by allergy, due to their constant contact with the air.
Symptoms include itching, redness, lid itching and swelling, mucoid discharge, and eyelid
matting in the mornings. There may be an association with hay fever or pollen allergies,
with nasal congestion, itching, and running. Oral antihistamines can often relieve ocular
symptoms as well. Over-the-counter allergy eye drops can be effective, although
eye drops
which are purely decongestants simply blanche out blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
Prescription eye antihistamines may be more effective. Three eyedrop medications (Crolom,
Alomide, and Patanol) block the release of histamine in the first place, but take some
time to become effective. Cold compresses on the eyes may help to ease symptoms.
The
eyes can commonly develop allergies to make-up applied on or near the lids. Any change in
eye make-up followed by allergy symptoms may point to this as a cause. Some medications
taken by mouth can cause an allergic reaction first seen around the eyes, with swelling
and redness of the lids and skin around the eyes. Some eye medications, antibiotics, and
glaucoma eye drops can cause allergic reactions as well, some very commonly.
Some younger people can develop a variant of ocular allergy called "vernal
conjunctivitis". This tends to be seasonal, and large lumps develop under the eyelids
and can create severe symptoms of itching, lid swelling and droopiness, and discharge. A
similar syndrome occurs with contact lens use (see
Contact
Lens for more information about this).
Return to Condition List
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Phlyctenulosis (flick-ten-u-low-sis) is a blepharitis related complication of the cornea
and conjunctiva. Bacteria at the edge of the eyelids (blepharitis) liberate toxins which
get into the tears and irritate the eyes. In this complication, a hypersensitivity
reaction, or allergic reaction develops on the cornea or conjunctiva.
Symptoms include
ocular redness, itching, burning, tearing, and the sensation that something is in the eye,
especially with blinking. Sometimes a white spot can be seen near the edge of the cornea.
This spot represents a sterile (non-infected) breakdown of the corneal surface, and can be
very irritating.
Treatment is aimed at treating the underlying blepharitis, and at helping the cornea to
heal. This condition is very responsive to steroid eye medication. Preventive measures
include cleaning of the eyelid in order to prevent the hypersensitivity reaction.
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Return to Condition List
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