Mysterious eye problem. Could it be?

I had a similar problem with my eyes, which I put down to allergies and too much computer time.
Optician said I had blepharitis and my eyes were dry from lack of oil in my tears, so my eyes were over compensating with extra water.
Forward a year to now:
I have drops from doctor, have changed my eye cream and don't wear any eye make up.
I bathe my eyes with warm water twice a day, and add a tiny amount of baby shampoo to water when they get very sore.
It's worth looking blepharitis up on Google as two types.
I hate not wearing eye make up but even the hypo allergenic brands make my eyes water.
The lack of oil linked to watering was a a bit of a surprise.

missA I’d advise you to see your optician, they will check how quickly your tears are breaking up and if there’s any damage to the cornea. If it’s dry eye syndrome they’ll prescribe artificial tears. Blepharitis isn’t the same thing though so it’s best to have your eyes checked.

If you are wearing the medical masks several days a week, and it’s your eyes and nose that are suffering (and it sounds horrid so commiserations to you MissA ) it suggests the masks have triggered the soreness.
They do have a funny smell to them. I avoid them preferring cotton masks.
I agree that if possible, leave off using anything in/around your eyes for a few days for things to settle down.
I would ask GP for an referral to an eye specialist. It can be done as an emergency and you should be seen within 2 weeks.
That’s how the NHS works in my area and hopefully similar where you are.
Please don’t risk your eyesight - it’s too precious. Good Luck and let us know how you are.

The NHS departments are still all working and encouraging people to seek help as usual as a number of hospitals in each area are dedicated “non Covid” centres.
I visited one last week with a skin matter. The appointment was scheduled just 10 days after GP and I had an over-the-phone appointment.

I used to wear contact lens, but when I was in my 50s, my eyes began to react to all the usual fluids, plus Optrex. The specialist told me it was the preservatives in the fluids that were causing the problem.

I have found that all the preservative free eye products are prescription ony which is a nuisance.

I had, what was diagnosed as dry eye, for about 3 years (just one eye was causing me problems). Dry eye was diagnosed by both my GP and an optician. I was prescribed preservative- free eyedrops and occasional antibiotic eyedrops over the 3 years and the problem didn't improve. Finally I asked to be referred to a specialist. After undergoing tests, the specialist diagnosed a blocked tear duct and not dry eye. I had an operation on the tear duct and have had absolutely no problems since.

I think baubles's suggestion about seeing an optician is a good one. The GP is just prescribing one thing after another without seeing you and a good optician may have more specialised knowledge and may send you to see an eye consultant.

I hope you are able to get a referral to an eye specialist. Like others on the thread, I have had Bletharitis, dry eyes and a blocked tear duct. Surgery was necessary about three years ago. The eye is much improved, not perfect, but I can live with it now.

You would probably be better going to see the optician. A few years ago I had a problem and went to the specialist at Specsavers. She sorted the problem quickly, OK I had to pay for everything, but it was good to get sorted.

Do you have feather pillows or duvet. Allergies to feathers or dust mites can cause such symptoms. Might be worth changing your pillows and see if your symptoms subside

My advice is to get your blood pressure checked.
An elderly lady i used to shop for had the same problem and her optician said it can be h/b/p, and it was.

Thank you all.
I can report that my eyes and nose feel better today than they have for a long time. (Day 2 of new antihistamines and drops from the nurse)

I'm coming up to my busy days at work starting tomorrow, so will see if there is a decline once I put the mask on again.

I'm definitely going to test out all of the things mentioned here, and then make an appt with the optician.

I do have high blood pressure, but take medication for it.

I have also bought new pillows a little while back, and although they aren't feather, I wonder if they might be nylony (new word!)

I can't describe the relief of having my eyes and nose feeling partly functional again!!

I'm dreading the damn mask going on again.

Let us know how you get on.

I was going to suggest used tea bags.

The optician diagnosed dry eyes on my last visit and I now have eye drops on prescription? Tbh my eyes weren’t sore or uncomfortable and I sometimes forget to use them. I was also told to be careful not to let the little tube actually touch the eye so it’s a bit of a performance.

Apologies, I’m posting in haste, not having RTT.

If you have an optician, that’s a reasonable place to start, if they find anything needing urgent attention, they can refer you to the local Eye Unit.
I have dry eye, linked to auto immune conditions. I can’t use the cheap dry eye drops, they make it worse, hydro tear w=drops were recommended by the eye surgeon, don’t wait, get help

I have to wear face mask at work, longest shift is 6 hours, this last monthI have been using the blue disposable ones that work provide.

But! all day long I feel like I am eating fibres! also they seem to be making me cough, I can feel the tiny tiny fibres around my face and in my mouth.I do wonder what the heck they are made of! and what I am breathing in.

Going to go back to my washable ones.

Aha!
They're the ones I wear, and my nose starts itching as soon as I put one on. It feels inflamed, and has been swollen and red. (Looks almost like rosacea)

It's just today I can see my nose is looking much better, because it's the first day my eyes aren't swollen and watery.

Just a little update.
My eyes are about 25 percent better than they were, after my two longer days of work (and mask wearing)

They're still bloodshot, but I'm hoping that will gradually calm down, too.

I've been in touch with work and explained that I think I must be allergic, and it's under discussion to see if there is a solution. (Although it's been mentioned that some people are currently not able to work due to them being unable to wear a mask)

I feel awful in case anyone thinks I'm a fuss maker, but I took a good hard look at my face, and it isn't pretty never has been.

I'd still be very interested to hear if anyone else has had these issues.

Sorry, I know I'm going on a bit, but I've had really swollen feet and legs since last year, and they have also started to deflate!

Histamine can cause swelling so perhaps the new anti-histamines are working.

I wonder what might be causing your allergy (perhaps apart from the mask)?

I've no idea.
It's a mystery, but I do know my nose is beginning to feel burnt almost as soon as the mask goes on.
Weird. That's what it is.

I hope you get things sorted MissAdventure. I agree with seeing your optometrist. Wearing a mask that allows exhaled air to escape upwards into your eyes can irritate the eyes and increase dryness ( and exacerbate any existing dryness) See if getting a good seal at the top of the mask ( so air goes through it, not around it) helps with your symptoms. The sort of masks that have a bendable nose piece to customise the fit may help. I hope you work out what’s wrong and get better.

'don't understand how a nose can feel 'burnt' from a mask. so many and various types of masks. People should of course use moisturiser on lower face and nose to prevent dry skin.
hope your eyes return to there norm soon

MissAdventure, as I'm allergic to so many things, I've been using washable cloth masks anyway. I assume the paper ones will have been treated with chlorine bleach, just like tissues etc.

I am similar: I have very sensitive skin. I have developed, over six months or so...maybe more... tiny little highly itchy spots across the bridge of my nose. I can't wear costume jewellery as it gives me a similar rash. After so much trial and error, I think it may have developed from the itchy, fibre masks...(the ones with the metal strip for your nose).
Anyway, I have started back on washable ones and it seems to be clearing up,so for me, I think it was the nose strip as that was the only place where the rash was!
Early days,but seems to work...fingers crossed.

A little (hopefully!) update.
My eyes are sore again, but better than they were.
I have different masks to try, but have been told that these are the only other option.
I'm still taking the antihistamines, and have added a nose spray.

My new masks are called 'duckface' so I'm not looking forward to wearing them!!!

I am going to make an optition appt, too.