Eye problems can be a fact of life for anyone living with atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common type of eczema. Eczema can develop on your eyelids and around your eyes, causing itchy skin and red, swollen eyes.

If your eyes have felt this way for some time, you may pay little attention to eye problems. You should. Treatment can help you feel more comfortable, and possibly save your eyesight.

 

EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Found early and treated, most eye problems linked to atopic dermatitis can be successfully treated. It seems that the more severe the eczema, the higher your risk of developing certain eye diseases. At least, that’s the finding from a 15-year study run in Denmark. During this study, researchers looked at the medical records of adults in Denmark. In doing so, they discovered that those with eczema had a higher risk of developing an eye infection called conjunctivitis.

 

Signs that you may have conjunctivitis include:

  • Pink (or red) color to your eye
  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Eyes sensitive to light
  • Wet, sticky or dry, crusty eyes

 

In this study, adults with eczema also have a higher risk of developing keratitis or inflammation of the cornea:

  • Keratitis can occur when the eye becomes infected or inflamed
  • It can be painful or uncomfortable
  • You can be sensitive to light
  • Your eyes may have a foreign body sensation
  • Your eyes may feel gritty
  • Your eyes may be watery
  • When caught early and properly treated, keratitis can often be cured.

 

Frequently rubbing your eyes can change the shape of your cornea leading to keratoconus. As the cornea starts to change shape, it begins to bulge. It becomes cone-shaped. This change in shape can cause the following warning signs:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light, especially when driving at night
  • Constantly changing prescription for eyeglasses or contacts
  • parts of the human eye

 

SIGNS OF KERATOCONUS

If you have any warning signs of keratoconus, ask your eye doctor to take a close look at the shape of your cornea. When found and treated early, you can minimize the effect this disease has on your eyesight. Unfortunately, many people who have this eye disease don’t get diagnosed early enough. That can cause loss of eyesight.  If you have eczema, it’s important to play close attention to your eyes. When an eye problem lasts more than a few days, make an appointment to see your dermatologist or eye doctor. You should also have eye exams as often as your eye doctor recommends.

 

Call any of our locations to schedule your eye exam today! We are located in Bloomfield Hills, Westland, and Detroit with regular business hours Monday through Friday.