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What Causes Redness Of Eyes And Swollen Eyelid?
Question: My eyes are red. It started a week ago in the left eye. It started red, then the eye lid got a little swollen. Then I used Visine and took Benadryl and it eventually started to get better. One day last week it appeared to be gone and cleared up without the aid of any OTC help. Now 10 days later, I wake with both eyes red. This week, my right eye was starting to get red. It wasn't as bad as the left was when it started. Most mornings, I would awake to "eye glued shut". This past week only my right eye was glued shut once. I thought I was getting better, but now both eyes are red this morning. My eyes are not itchy. I don't really think they're anymore watery than usual. My question is, could it be from allergies or is it the contagious pinkeye? How long will I suffer? Is Visine safe to use for long periods of time? I had symptoms of sneezing and itchy throat last week. I tried Clairton, it wasn't helping. Then I switched to Benadryl. It worked as far as clearing up my sneezing and itchy throat but it made me feel dopey during the day. My throat isn't itching today but it feels clogged and I sometimes sound funny when I start talking after being silent for long periods of time. My nose isn't really stuffed anymore. I am also anxious about the possibility of it being std related? That is a concern that weighs heavily on my mind every time I see my eyes are red. I have never had eye allergies until this year.
Brief Answer:
The symptoms look like infective conjunctivitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic
Iam Dr. Dadapeer K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.
It seems from the history that you are having redness of both the eyes associated with eye glued and similar complaints were there in left eye a week ago which was resolved with treatment from Visine and Benadryl. Along with these eye symptoms you are having sneezing and sore throat.
These symptoms indicate infective conjunctivitis or pink eye. Infective conjunctivitis is usually because of infection by bacteria or virus and it may lasts for 5-7 days in case of bacterial infections whereas in case of viral infections it may last for 1-3 weeks.
The treatment is by use of antibiotics eye drops. Visine is a vasoconstrictor eye drop and it can be used for symptomatic relief. It can be used safely for 4-6 weeks and no problems will occur. Along with the Visine you can use antibiotic eye drops like ciprofloxacin.
Both claritin and Benadryl are antihistaminic drugs and can be used for treatment of sneezing and itchy throat.
These symptoms are not related to STD, hence no need to worry.
Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much. What's crazy is, I woke this morning and they were red, but they have cleared up on their own the longer I was awake. Thank you for easing my mind.
Brief Answer:
Thank you
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I am happy to hear that my answer and explanation was helpful to you.
If the symptoms recur you can continue using visine and antibiotic eye drops as I have mentioned in the previous answer.
Thank you for writing to Health care magic.
With regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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