Allergy or an infection? Always have itchy eyes cleared up by a doctor

Itchy Eyes: Is an allergy or infection behind it?
When the eyes are itchy and red, many people assume that pollen is responsible for the condition. But even with allergic persons, the itching can be based on an unpleasant infection. Patients should contact a doctor.

Conjunctivitis due to pollen
Red and itchy eyes are widespread especially with the start of the pollen season. If actually pollen is the trigger for the symptoms, it is a so-called allergic conjunctivitis - an allergic conjunctivitis. This has the professional association of ophthalmologists Germany (BVA) pointed out in a message from the news agency dpa. On their website "cms.augeninfo.de", the experts write: "Allergies are often accompanied by conjunctivitis."

Pollen is often the cause of itchy and red eyes. But even infections can cause such symptoms. (Image: photocrew / fotolia.com)

Obtain complaints from the ophthalmologist
However, behind red and itchy eyes can also be other causes, such as an infection with bacteria or an injury to the eye surface. If the conjunctivitis does not resolve within 48 hours, sufferers should have it cleared up by the ophthalmologist - even if one suspects pollen as the cause. "Since a conjunctivitis can be contagious and depending on the cause and findings, a different treatment is required, you should definitely consult the ophthalmologist with the appropriate symptoms," said the doctors.

Which can help against itchy eyes
What can be done if the eye itches and burns? According to the ophthalmologists, a conjunctivitis by bacteria can be treated very well by a therapy with antibiotic eye drops. Natural home remedies that can provide relief are cotton pads soaked in rose water, which are placed on the eyes or an eye bath with cool clear water. Basically, it is recommended to protect the eyes as possible and to avoid irritating factors. (Ad)