Itchy, Swollen Eyes and Eyelid Swelling: When to Seek Care Quickly
Most eye itching can be eased at home, but some signs mean you should be checked soon.
Situations you can ease at home first
If you only have itchy eyes, mild redness and watering, and it is linked to seasonal allergies or a clear contact history, you can ease it with cold compresses, rinsing with artificial tears, leaving the allergen environment, and taking medicine as your doctor advised. At the same time, avoid rubbing your eyes.
Situations where you need to see an eye doctor soon
- Obvious eye pain, worsening light sensitivity, or ongoing watering
- Decreased vision or vision that stays blurry
- Yellow-green pus-like discharge, or one eye suddenly becoming very red and swollen
- Redness around the cornea, or white spots or cloudiness on the surface of the black part of the eye
- A child rubbing their eyes often, along with light sensitivity or frequent blinking
Call for emergency help if these happen at the same time
If, along with eye symptoms, you have difficulty breathing, a tight throat, swelling of the tongue or throat, swelling of the face or lips, repeated vomiting, dizziness, or reduced alertness, call 120 (the emergency number in China) right away and follow your emergency plan. Do not drive yourself to hospital.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's advice for your specific situation.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.