What Causes Chronic Eye Irritation?
Causes other than dry eye and meibomitis may explain a patient’s chronic eye irritation. Consider these other possible causes and their symptoms. Anterior blepharitis Patients have crusting and irritation at the base of lashes without diurnal variation. Onset is insidious. Medicamentosa Patients complain of burning and irritation without diurnal variation. Symptoms are equivalent throughout the day because overuse of topical medications promotes damage. You should suspect this condition in all patients who use traditional artificial tears more than four times a day. Patients generally have a history of escalating tear use. Lacrimal drainage obstruction Patients often have symptoms of tearing with actual and demonstrable tear overflow. Patients with meibomian gland dysfunction may feel like their eyes are tearing, but these patients have frank epiphora. Allergic conjunctivitis The primary symptom for this condition is itchy eyes. Patients’ eyes may also exhibit increased mucus productio
