Why Do My Eyes Burn?

[Jeepster]

Along with my celiac disease I have found that I have severe reactions to over a dozen other foods including dairy, corn, soy, eggs, etc. It is nearly impossible to maintain an adequate calorie count on such a restricted diet because I'm a big guy (6'-2" and 190 pounds) so occasionally the hunger gets the best of me and I cheat. Can anyone explain to me what happens chemically during an antibody reaction that would cause my eyes to burn like they have had acid poured in them? It is very pronounced, and will subside once I return to my plain meat and veggie diet. Besides the diarrhea this is the most persistent, and annoying, symptom I suffer with. My eye doctor suggested using over-the-counter eye drops for relief but they barely help.

[angel-jd1]

Not sure where ya live Jeepster, but sounds to me like plain ol fashioned seasonal allergies are kicking in. Try the OTC eyedrops, but they also make some presciption eyedrops and prescription meds that are great for allergies.

-Jessica

[kabowman]

My doc used to think I was catching pink eye from the kids but I then discovered an OTC allergy eye drop and found that helped, even if it burned a little. I now use a prescription eye drop. It's worth a try...

Hey, I am on plain meat and veggie diet too...along with potatoes. If I gave up my potatoes, I would probably drop weight like a rock!!!

[Canadian Karen]

Hi,

Although I don't have this as a particular symptom, I have read other posts regarding this. Alot of celiacs apparently also have something called Sjogren's Syndrome. If you google it up, you might find it interesting.....

Have a great day!

Karen

[Jeepster]

Jessica -

I know it's not seasonal allergies causing this because the symptoms are consistent throughout the year relating to what I eat. (I do suffer badly from a hayfever allergy though which brings on massive sneezing)

Karen -

I've looked into the symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome and I find that, for example, my eyes burn even before I open them in the morning and quite often are tearing out the sides at the same time. This wouldn't fit with the Syndrome.

I guess my frustration is knowing that something is going on chemically when I cheat with food that brings this eye burn on, but I'd like to understand what it is.

[tarnalberry]

It may well be that one of those foods you cheat with you have an allergy to, perhaps an intolerance as well, but at least an allergy. With allergies, the offending protein causes antibodies to try to attack it, and in the process of this attack, they cause mast cells to break open. Mast cells contain histamine, Histamine is important for many bodily functions, but it also causes a WIDE variety of symptoms. Some of them are the seasonal allergies you get, but itchy, scratchy, red, or burning eyes are certainly some of them. And - as you can tell - it doesn't always react the same way each time. (For me, my regular allergies - which I haven't been able to really attribute to anything in particular - definitely include that feeling.)

[judy05]

Jeepster

Red, burning, itchy eyes were one of my first symptoms of gluten intolerance. This occurred all year round. I was receiving allergy shots which helped but it never went away even with antihistamines, eye drops , etc. My allergist got so upset about hearing my complaints that he through his hands up in the air and said "this project isn't working". I was so angry at him that I left the office and never went back.I read later that if this condition does not get better then the patient should have a celiac panel done. My Dr. was board certified, he really should have done more. Anyway this continued for 3 years until I developed GI symptoms and finally got tested. My gliadin IgA was elevated to 75. Since going gluten-free my symptoms have gotton a lot better, not 100%, but better. Hope you feel better soon.

[Lesliean]

When I was gluten-free for 1 month my eyes became wetter. I didn't know my eyes were so dry till I noticed my contacts weren't sticking to my eyes in the evening. There are so many symptoms that improve. It seems symptoms of Celiac Disease vary tremendously from person to person and don't always fit the typical symptom list when you google it.