Sudden Allergic Reaction in Eyes?

[tellyaddict]

Hi All,

has anyone ever developed a sudden allergic reaction as an adult, even though they previously didn't have allergies to anything?

I have had sore, red eyes for 4 weeks now and started using witch hazel drops for sore eyes, when they continued to very slowly get worse I went for the over-the-counter infected eyes drops but still no success so I visited the Nurse at our GP surgery. She assumed a reaction to makeup but in case of infection I was given Fusidic Acid. When they continued to worsen (even though I stopped wearing makeup for a few days) I went back and the GP saw me and said it looked like viral conjunctivitis but had a swab sent off for analysis. It came back clear and so I was put on anti-allergy eyes drops. They are still no better so my next stop is eye casualty.

Sorry for long-winded explanation! Has anyone else suddenly developed an allergic reaction like this? I don't have asthma, eczema or any other allergies at all and never have. Can't think what else could be causng sore, red but not infected eyes for so long?!!

Any advice/informatio/exchange of experiences very welcome!!

yes DH got sudden onset allergic conjunctivitis

still battling it

could it be dry-eyes, as in Sjogren's?

Never heard of Sjogren's! I had the 'dry eye' drops but they made my eyes feel very hot so stopped using them.

EldonAve, has your DH's condition been confirmed as allergic conjunctivitis or suspected? Mine was rather sudden too. How long has he had it? Poor bloke, he has my sympathy. Does anything work for him?

he's seeing an ophthalmologist who thinks it's allergic (he's a generally allergic person)

sorry I don't have any words of wisdom only sympathy

nightcat - just googled Sjogren's, interesting - I've been particularly thirsty for quite a few weeks now I've noticed and all of my Dad's side of the family have underactive thyroids (Dad, all 3 Aunties and Grandmother before she passed away). If it's autoimmune related then it may be worth a bloodtest, but I don't suppose that would be done at eye casualty, so may need GP.

Always good to hear from real people rather than scour websites. None of the sites that came up mentioned autoimmune issues as a potential cause!

EldonAve - well my sympathies go out to him too, if your eyes feel crap you generally feel crap! Hope he gets to the bottom of it and gets effective treatment.