QUESTION:
Dr. Ben,

I have had watery, itchy, red eyes for 2 years now. I have had tear duct surgery on both eyes. I have been to many eye specialists, dermatologists, etc. I had a skin patch recently, but they still couldn't help me. My eyes look like a raccoon, but with red instead of black circles.

Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks so much

ANSWER:
Sorry that you've been having this issue for so long - cannot be fun.

Sounds like a classic allergic presentation. The question is: allergic to what?

You need to ask yourself: What happened 2 years ago? What changed then?

You get a pet? Moldy house? New job with environmental exposures? Work with printing, chemicals, paints, solvents? Dust mites in your bed? New home that is off-gassing formaldehyde from new carpets, new floors, new paints? What hobbies do you have? What hobbies does your partner have or kids? What do you do for work?

Contact lenses? Solutions?

Getting a HEPA air filter, dust mite covers, having pets sleep outside your room, removing the carpets from your home, cleaning up your work environment and finding the cause of the problem is what must be done. There are loads of effective itch-relieving drops out there but the fact is: What is causing it?

You're body is telling you that something is wrong with your environment. Listen to it. Discover what it is. Think back two years ago - what changed?

If none of that is the case - ask yourself "Am I positive?" Take your time in answering those questions - don't dismiss the importance of them. Think hard.

Let me know what you think of. I have more thoughts but start there.

Best,
Dr Ben