Having atopic dermatitis around the eyes is more sensitive compared to other parts of the body. This is because the eye itself can also become affected which might lead to complications and eventually to visual impairment.
If you think you have atopic dermatitis around your eyes, look closely in the mirror for these changes in appearance:
- Having extra fold of skin under the eyes or atopic pleat
- Darkening of the skin around the eyes or hyperpigmentation
- Itching leading to redness and swelling around the eyes
- Patchy eyebrows and eyelashes due to scratching and rubbing
Once you notice the symptoms, you can go to your dermatologist for a proper checkup to prevent you from going to the ophthalmologist for these possible complications if not treated early:
1. Keratoconus
Too much rubbing of the itching atopic dermatitis around your eyes can lead to keratoconus or deformed cornea. It is a progressive eye disease where the round cornea begins to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape. This deformity in the cornea can deflect light and eventually cause blurry and distorted vision.
Remedy: Cucumber slices
You can put cucumber slices on your closed eyes to soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. It has antioxidants and cooling effects to ease the itching.
2. Cataracts
Having atopic dermatitis around your eyes for too long can be a great risk for developing cataracts. These are what they call atopic cataracts which can happen to patients that have long-term atopic dermatitis around their eyes for over 10 years already. Though it rarely happens, it can affect both eyes.
Remedy: Witch Hazel cotton pads
Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory properties to relieve itching and inflammation. Put some witch hazel extract on cotton pads and place them on your eyelids.
3. Retinal detachment
Patients with atopic dermatitis around their eyes can suffer from retinal detachment. This is a condition in which the retina becomes separated from its tissue. The most common symptom is retinal tears. This happens when you rub your eyes too much when itching. Intense rubbing around the eyes and the eye itself can lead to optical trauma breaking the retina, and eventually detaching.
Remedy: Honey
Raw and organic honey has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is considered a therapeutic agent and used for treating eye diseases. Apply it under your eyelids and leave it for 20 minutes.
4. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is more commonly known as pink eye. It is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane barrier that covers the white part of your eyeball. The white part of the eyes becomes reddish or pink. Symptoms include pain, itching, and eye discharge. Atopic dermatitis around the eyes is similar to conjunctivitis in a way that the protective barriers are impaired.
Remedy: Used green tea bags
The natural chemicals in green tea improve surface inflammation in the eyes. It provides relief from itchy and dry eyes. Refrigerate used tea bags and then place them on your eyelids.
5. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is associated with atopic dermatitis around the eyes because of its similarity with dryness. It causes flaky skin around the edge of the eyes, as well as flaking and crusting around the eyelashes. Aside from these, the eyes can be red and might feel grainy. It can be very itchy and swollen which is more prone to infection. Eyelashes can even fall out.
Remedy: Aloe vera cotton pads
Aloe vera helps in soothing eye inflammation. It helps relieve symptoms associated with itchy eyes. Take some aloe vera extract and turn it into juice. Refrigerate and then soak cotton balls which you can place on your closed eyes.
6. Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Keratoconjunctivitis is the inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. For people with atopic dermatitis around their eyes, it is called atopic keratoconjunctivitis or AKC. The most common symptom is intense itching of the conjunctiva, eyelids, and the skin around the eye socket. Tears, burning sensation, photophobia, and blurred vision are also experienced.
Remedy: Cold compress
The use of ice packs helps soothe itching and irritation in the eyes. Put a cold compress on your eyes to prevent it from itching.
Final Thoughts
Always remember that the eye is a sensitive area so some items that you use for a different part of your body may not work or might be too harsh for atopic dermatitis around your eyes. It can get inside your eyes which will cause more harm. There are certain creams or other topical medications that cannot be used around this area.
These are just some of the possible complications of atopic dermatitis around your eyes is not treated sooner or if you keep scratching this area. Most of the items on the list result from scratching so keep fingernails short to avoid injuries. In any case, avoid rubbing your eyes altogether to prevent any of these from happening.
The best way to prevent these complications is to consult your doctor to be able to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. When any of these appear, your skin doctor might recommend a treatment from an ophthalmologist. Atopic dermatitis around the eyes can be difficult to manage but with proper care and treatment, you can also be able to protect your eyesight.
