Allergic eye disease

Itchy Eyes Are Not Normal

If your eyes are constantly itchy, red or watery, you may have allergic eye disease.

Many people assume allergies are something they simply have to live with. The truth is that effective treatment can usually control the symptoms and, more importantly, protect the surface of the eye from ongoing inflammation.

One important rule I tell my patients is:

If your eyes are itchy, think allergy.

Why You Should Never Rub Your Eyes

When your eyes itch, rubbing them feels like the quickest way to get relief.

Unfortunately, it also makes the allergy worse.

Rubbing causes more inflammatory chemicals to be released, making the itching continue. It can also damage the delicate surface of the eye.

In children and young adults who rub their eyes repeatedly over many years, excessive rubbing has been associated with an increased risk of developing keratoconus and astigmatism -a condition where the cornea gradually becomes thinner and changes shape.

Allergies and Dry Eyes Often Go Hand in Hand

Many patients are surprised to learn they have both allergic eye disease and dry eyes.

Allergies cause inflammation, while dry eyes reduce the eye's natural protective tear film. Together they create a cycle of irritation that can make symptoms much worse.

Treating the allergy alone may not completely solve the problem if dry eye disease is also present.

That is why I examine not only the conjunctiva but also the tear film, eyelids and meibomian glands.

What triggers allergies in Singapore?

House dust mites
Pet dander
Pollen
Mould
Smoke and haze
Cosmetics
Skincare products
Contact lenses

Many patients cannot completely avoid these triggers, so treatment often focuses on reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms.

When should I see an eye specialist?

When

The itching is persistent.
Over-the-counter drops are not helping.
Your vision becomes blurred.
You are using steroid eye drops.
Your child is rubbing their eyes constantly.
The symptoms keep returning.

Dr Cheryl Lee's Perspective

One of the most common things I hear is, "Doctor, I can't stop rubbing my eyes."
I completely understand because allergies can be incredibly uncomfortable. However, rubbing is one of the worst things you can do. My goal is not simply to prescribe eye drops, but to identify why your eyes are inflamed and develop a treatment plan that gives lasting relief while protecting the health of your eyes.