Patient Stories

Johan,* age 35

Johan complains of itchy, watery eyes after spending the afternoon outdoors playing golf.¹ He notices that both eyes look red, and he feels like rubbing them.¹ He also has a runny nose.² He explains that this happened to him sometime last year as well.

Johan probably has seasonal allergic conjunctivitis as a reaction to pollen or another plant allergen.¹ He should avoid rubbing his eyes³ and rinse them with clean cold water or saline solution to flush out the allergens.⁴ He should try to avoid exposure to pollen³ and see his eye doctor if his condition does not improve.

Amy,* age 46

Amy has had swollen, red eyelids all day.⁵ She has recently tried a new makeup product that she has never used before.⁵

Amy probably has contact dermatitis of the eyelid, rather than a true ocular allergy.⁵ She should avoid her makeup product, wash her face and eyes with clean cold water or saline solution and apply cold compresses to her eyes.^4,5 If she does not feel any improvement, she should talk to her eye doctor.

Jack,* age 6

Jack has been playing with his teddy bear all day. His mother notices that he has been rubbing his eyes, and they are red and watery.¹

Jack could have an ocular allergy like perennial allergic conjunctivitis due to dust mite sensitivity.¹ Jack’s mother should rinse his eyes with clean cold water⁴ and avoid giving him toys that collect dust. She can wash Jack’s teddy bear and vacuum the room thoroughly. If Jack’s condition does not improve, she should seek medical advice.