[21F] Experiencing severe eye discomfort

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female has been experiencing a severe burning sensation, watery eyes, and deep aching pain in her right eye for a few months. The symptoms are particularly severe when using her phone in the dark without glasses, rating the pain as 9 out of 10. The discomfort is alleviated by wearing glasses in similar conditions. She has a history of allergic conjunctivitis diagnosed in January. She is currently using Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium eye drops i.p. 0.5% w/v, olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution IP 0.1% w/v, and HPMC Ophthalmic solution USP lacrigel. She has not reported any known allergies to medications and is not taking any other medications or supplements.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms and history of allergic conjunctivitis, it seems like you might be experiencing a flare-up of your condition. Allergic conjunctivitis can cause symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and watering of the eyes. The fact that these symptoms are relieved when you wear glasses while using your phone in the dark suggests that the light from your phone might be exacerbating your symptoms.

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: This is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to an allergic reaction. It can cause symptoms like redness, itching, burning, and watering of the eyes.
    • Treatment typically involves avoiding the allergen and using medications to control symptoms, such as the eye drops you're currently using.

What you can do

  1. Continue using your prescribed eye drops and lubricant as directed by your doctor.
  2. Try to avoid using your phone in the dark, as the light from the screen might be causing strain and exacerbating your symptoms. If you need to use your phone in the dark, continue wearing your glasses to help reduce strain.
  3. Consider using a screen filter or adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your phone to reduce eye strain.
  4. Make sure to keep your glasses clean and to wear them as prescribed.
  5. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can further irritate them.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • A sudden worsening of your symptoms
  • A sudden loss of vision
  • Severe pain that isn't relieved by your current treatment
  • Symptoms that don't improve or that worsen despite treatment

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is allergic conjunctivitis and what are its common symptoms?

Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include redness, itching, burning, and watering of the eyes.


How can using a phone in the dark affect eye health, especially for someone with allergic conjunctivitis?

Using a phone in the dark can cause eye strain and exacerbate symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as burning and aching, due to the contrast between the bright screen and the dark environment.


What are some effective treatments for managing allergic conjunctivitis symptoms?

Effective treatments for allergic conjunctivitis include avoiding allergens, using prescribed eye drops like antihistamines and lubricants, and wearing glasses to reduce strain.


When should someone with eye discomfort seek immediate medical attention?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if there is a sudden worsening of symptoms, sudden loss of vision, severe pain not relieved by treatment, or if symptoms do not improve or worsen despite treatment.


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