Are your itchy eyes a sign of an infection or an allergy?
| Allergy | Infection |
|---|---|
| Immune system's response to common allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander | Caused by a virus or bacteria or protozoa |
Tell the difference by the symptoms
| Allergy | Infection | |
|---|---|---|
| Red eyes | Yes | Yes |
| Itching | Yes | Yes |
| Severe itching | Yes | No |
| Burning sensation | Yes | Yes |
| Clear, watery discharge | Yes | Yes |
| Gritty feel in eyes | Yes | Yes |
| Both eyes affected | Yes | Yes if viral, no if bacterial |
| Pain | No | Yes |
| Sensitivity to light | No | Yes |
| Thick yellow discharge | No | Yes – Bacterial |
| Accompanied by a fever | No | Yes |
How to treat itchy eyes?
| Allergy | Infection |
|---|---|
| * Allergy eye drops * Oral antihistamine |
* Viral infections symptoms can improve with eye drop medications * Take antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infection |
If you are concerned about your itchy eyes, or if you're experiencing unusual symptoms, consult an eye specialist to get a clear diagnosis and treatment options available.
