Allergies is the most common and probably the most complex cause for red eye symptoms. In general allergies are poorly understood, for example we can not fully explain or cure many allergy induced disorders such as asthma, rosacea or chronic urticaria.

We can be allergic to almost anything, for example some researchers believe Rosacea is caused by an allergy to microscopic mite (Demodex folliculorum) that lives in the hair follicle. Knowing that eyes also provide a broad surface area for the collection of any airborne allergens it would not be surprising that some hidden allergy may be responsible for the adverse reaction, as people may experience allergic reactions limited solely to ocular tissues.

Perennial allergic conjunctivitis may last throughout the year and although itching is the key symptom for diagnosing ocular allergy disorders it is often absent in allergic conjunctivitis. Some types of allergies, for example hay fever, make the eyes itchy, while others may merely produce a chronic redness. It’s not only invisible microscopic particles that are all around us and abnormal immune system that may cause red eye symptoms, hidden food allergies may also create an allergic reaction of the eyes with usual symptoms such as itchy or red eyes.

The first line treatment is identifying allergens and avoiding them. The most popular medicines used in ocular allergy treatment are artificial tear drops (such as systane, theratears or refresh endura) and Patanol which is a combination of anti histamine and mast cell stabiliser. People who do not respond well to first line treatment may be prescribed with Alrex, which is a corticosteroid approved by FDA for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Long term use of corticosteroids have serious side effects such as elevated eye pressure or a possible development of cataract, therefore some specialists use Restasis (cyclosporin) for long term anti inflammatory effect, especially when dry eye symptoms are observed. A new possible trend in allergic eye inflammation treatment may be anti - immunoglobulin E medicine (such as Xolair), which is currently only approved for asthma.

Chronic dry eye syndrome (DES) is usually caused by insufficient or decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. Tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes and bacteria fighting substances. Typical symptoms of dry eye syndrome are dryness, burning, itchiness, foreign body sensation, pain, stingy, gritty eye irritation (usually both eyes are affected). Dry eye syndrome can cause watery eye symptoms (due to eye irritation), but this excessive tearing does not make eyes feel any better as these tears will not have the lubricating features necessary to relieve dry eye. Schirmer’s test is one way of confirming dry eye syndrome. Ocular surface inflammation may further aggravate the dry-eye condition, likewise dry eye can make allergy symptoms worse (tears are essential in tackling allergic responses as they help dilute and clear the allergens and irritants)

Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that in many cases it can not be cured, but the accompanying symptoms such as dryness and burning can be alleviated. The diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome is very complex. Artificial tears are usually the first line of treatment. Tears wash away dust and other irritants from the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, lubricate and guard your eyes. Other common treatment options involve punctual plugs (which slow down or even stop the drainage of tears - it is also possible to have a temporary dissolving plug to see if it helps), For moderate to severe cases Restasis eye drops may be prescribed. In some cases an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline or an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid eye drop such as Alrex or Lotemax may be necessary. If the oily layer of the tear film is deficient specialists may suggest that you increase your consumption of oily fish and take flax seed oil as a dietary supplement.

Dry eye syndrome also means that your eyes are less protected from various irritants in our environment therefore air purifier and avoidance of irritant-prone areas may be helpful. Humidifiers are also considered to be helpful, however, if you have an allergy to dust mites it may make your symptoms worse since dust mites love humid conditions

  The recipe for clear vision is made up of a mixture of proteins, water, fatty oils and bacteria-fighting substances. This mixture is what tears are made of. They lubricate our eyes keeping them clear and smooth. Tears also balance and regulate the processes of the cells giving us a clearer picture of our world. Every time you blink, healthy moisturizing tears spread a film across the surface of your eyes. They start from tiny glands found inside the upper eyelids. Three layers make up tear film. The meibomian glands are small glands found on the edge of the eyelids producing oil on the outer layer of the tear film. The outer layer slows down the evaporation of the middle watery layer. That salty taste comes from the middle layer of the tears and combines with water to keep the eyes clear of irritants and debris. The inner layer of tears is made up of mucus that aids in spreading the protective lubricant across the surface of the eyes. Keeping Eyes Healthy Tears protect the eyes infection and discomfort. They bathe the eyes’ surface with healthy enzymes maintaining a healthy chemical composition on the eyes. If the tear production is out of balance, dry eye syndrome can result. Several factors cause dry eye syndrome. Many are due to the natural aging, medications, birth control pills and environmental factors. Dry Eyes Treatment If you’re suffering from dry, scratchy, burning eyes, it’s important to see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. There are several options available to alleviate your symptoms. Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops that require a prescription from your eye care practitioner. Over the counter eye drops that are designed to “get the red out” may only take care of your symptoms temporarily. These products can also become physically addictive. Frequent use can actually diminish results requiring higher dosages and will eventually be completely ineffective. Restasis eye drops are an oil base product that actually increases tear production. If environmental issues are causing a reduction in tear production, sunglasses not only reduce exposure to the sun but also protect the eyes from wind, dust and other flying debris. The best sunglasses are lined with foam to keep debris from entering the eyes from the sides, top and bottom. For indoor eye irritation, use a humidifier to add moisture to a dry room and an air cleaner to remove dust and other particles from the air. Other solutions include silicone plugs that are inserted into your tear ducts to keep the eye from draining lubricants too quickly. The procedure is painless and quick, and can be done in your eye doctor’s office. Nutritional supplements high in fatty acids, drinking more water and switching to medications that don’t dehydrate the body are other solutions to diminished tear production.