Itching all around eyes are OK. Antihistamines don't help. Do I see an ophthalmologist or family doctor?

[Dennis S]

I have MEDICARE and think I can see a specialist without a referral. I can't see the MD until next Wednesday. I'll see how soon I can see the ophthalmologist tomorrow.

[PeterW]

If your insurance plan requires a referral from your PCP to see a specialist, they may not turn you away but they will let you know that insurance will not pay for your visit.

[bik]

I have bad allergies and one year I got something on my face that eventually got into my eyes. I was rubbing and rubbing and it just kept getting worse until a week later the top of my face was swollen to the point my eyes were almost closed.

I went to the emergency room at that point, but the treatment was a Benadryl IV followed by 10 days of prednisone.

Really, the Benadryl IV seemed to take care of things right away and the prednisone was just a precaution, I think.

Anyway, if you have allergies and suspect this is an allergy thing, your family doctor should be able to hook you up.

[mattkime]

>Antihistamines don't help

What did you try?

Try some warm compresses on your eyes. As warm as you can stand for a few minutes.

Ophthalmologist sounds good as they might be better at determining whether its allergies.

[Dennis S]

I tried Zyrtec. Benadryl causes leg and arm jerking.

[tenders]

I would suggest washing gently with a washcloth, mild soap, and hot water every hour for a few hours and see how that settles things. Sounds a bit like blepharitis, which is more of a condition than a disease, and is easily cured and avoided by a bit of extra washing attention.

[RAMd®d]

I would suggest washing gently with a washcloth, mild soap, and hot water every hour for a few hours and see how that settles things. Sounds a bit like blepharitis, which is more of a condition than a disease, and is easily cured and avoided by a bit of extra washing attention.

I was just going to post the same thing, except for the second sentence, because I had no idea.

I have a similar thing that occurs once in a while. I chalked it up to oil from my skin getting into my eyes or maybe dust. A quick wipe with a moist wash cloth and I was fine.

It was just as easy to wash my face several times a day. After awhile I cut it down to three times a day, and I'm fine.

[Dennis S]

tenders wrote:
I would suggest washing gently with a washcloth, mild soap, and hot water every hour for a few hours and see how that settles things. Sounds a bit like blepharitis, which is more of a condition than a disease, and is easily cured and avoided by a bit of extra washing attention.

That sounds like it - blepharitis. I was diagnosed with rosacea but nothing worked except a medicine for Demodex mites. Maybe the mites are regrouping in my eyelashes.

[samintx]

I use anti itch eye drops. Zaditor is expensive but really good IMO. It is overthecounter

[RAMd®d]

Duly noted.

Thank you for that, sam.