Can Mold Cause Eye Irritation & Other Problems?

09 Dec Can Mold Cause Eye Irritation & Other Problems?

Have your eyes been unhappy lately? Do they feel very dry, causing you to use eye drops a lot? Are they itchy, watery, or so red they look bloodshot? One of the questions that may have crossed your mind is whether or not mold can cause eye problems.

Irritated eyes are one of the main complaints when it comes to mold exposure. If you experience any of these symptoms when you’re at home, it could be a sign of mold eye irritation. Today the experts at Pure Maintenance NE are taking a deeper look at how mold can affect your eyes. 

Signs of Eye Irritation from Mold

While you may not realize it, microscopic particles—including mold spores—can enter the front cornea. Toxic molds, such as black mold, have mycotoxins that damage eye cells and cause irritation, eye infections, and even disease. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of mold eye irritation so you can get rid of the mold before your symptoms grow worse.

Signs of eye irritation from mold exposure include: 

• Red eyes
• Blurry vision
• Eye inflammation
• Sore, tired eyes
• Dry eyes
• Yellowing of the eyes

3 Eye Problems Caused by Mold

In addition to the symptoms listed above, mold exposure can also cause eye infections and even lead to blindness. The three most common conditions caused by mold are “pink eye,” chronic dry eye, and fungal keratitis. Fortunately, all of these conditions can be treated with prompt medical attention and mold remediation services. 

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Can mold cause pink eye? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Allergic conjunctivitis is often caused by mold allergens. The eye may turn pink or red in color—which is where the term “pink eye” comes from—and itch, tear up, and swell. While allergy medications and eye drops can help alleviate symptoms, the only real way to treat allergic conjunctivitis is by removing mold from your home.

2. Dry Eye

Although it may sound benign, chronic dry eye is a serious concern. If your eyes are constantly irritated and dry due to mold exposure, they can not create enough tears to fully protect the surface of your eyes. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter your eyes, causing infections. Dry eyes can also scratch up your cornea—the front surface of the eye—leading to other problems like ulcers on the cornea. 

3. Fungal Keratitis

Another eye disease that affects the cornea is fungal keratitis. When mold spores enter the eye and infect the cornea, they cause the eyes to become painful, red, and sensitive to light. The infection may also cause blurred vision or an eye discharge. While fungal keratitis can be cured with antifungal medications, it will lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. 

Mold Remediation in New Bedford MA

Although eye irritation can be caused of a number of root issues, it’s important to rule out mold being the cause since your eyes are not the only thing at risk when it comes to toxic mold exposure. The only true way to keep your eyes happy and healthy is to ensure your home is mold-free! If you suspect that you are experiencing mold eye irritation, we highly suggest scheduling an eye examination with your optometrist. Not only can they help provide relief for the eye issues you are experiencing, they can also identify the cause of your symptoms. Your next call should be to Pure Maintenance NE to schedule a free mold inspection. 

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