Eye Burning Related to Food Sensitivities

Posted by DebE13 @debe13, Nov 27, 2011

I have collagenous colits and a list of other problems that my GI doctor seems reluctant to address. I have horrible burning in my eyes with a puffy feeling around my eye area (no actual inflamation) and stomach aches/pains, fatigue, headache, and facial flushing/redness to name a few. He told me to see an eye doctor and referred me to a rheumatologist. My eyes are good and was told I have dry eye and to use drops. I got literature on fibermyalgia but I''m not interested in more drugs. The rheumatologist also told me to take sleeping pills, exercise, and use eye drops and that I shoudl see a GI doc for the stomach problems. I am incredibily frustrated because I feel sick every time I eat and the eye pain/burning never goes away. I've been tested for celiac disease several times and it always comes back negative. I am not lactose intolerant. I tried an elimination diet religiously for 4 months and removed all processed foods, wheat, dairy, and yeast. I didn't notice a signficant change in how I felt. At that time, I didn't have the eye issues. I've read that the eye problems can be related to food or could also related to liver problems. My blood test show my liver is good. Any ideas would be appreciated because I seem to be on my own. I keep complaining of ill health but all my tests keep coming back good. I am afraid to eat and I want my life back.

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LB | @lb | Nov 27, 2011

Speaking from someone who has a family with numerous allergies, it does seem like allergies. It is possible to be allergic to anything. The Sun, Cut Grass, Flowers, House Plants, Dust. At this point I would try to find a time when your reactions are at ther worst, and when you have the least reactions and are feeling your best. It could be anything from something you cook with, or you cook with a gas or wood stove, to your laundry soap or after shave, even your water supply. I do not think you have any symptoms of Fybromyalgia..

powerofpositive | @powerofpositive | Dec 4, 2011

The eye issue, has the Rhumy tested you for Sjogrens and other autoimmune dicorders? This also has other symptoms that match yours.
Fibromyalgia is so over used as a diagnosis these last few years and I have known a few people that suffered needlessly, like you until symptoms where properly diagnosed.
Stomach issues are often helped with slippery elm but it is best to be persistant and discuss options and treatments/remedies with your doctor first.

gluten-freecuredmycrohns | @glutenfreecuredmycrohns | Jan 6, 2012

Have you had a food allergy test? If you get bloated after meals and have painful trapped gas, it could be gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free includes no wheat, barley, oats, pasta, beer.

mommo9 | @mommo9 | Aug 26, 2020

I was wondering if you ever found an answer? I came upon your post while searching the internet and it sounds just like me! My eyes burn horribly after eating and my face flushes, some times a slight headache. I don’t have other symptoms and it happens with everything I eat.

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Aug 26, 2020

In reply to @mommo9 "I was wondering if you ever found an answer? I came upon your post while searching..." + (show)

Hi @mommo9 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Glad you found our group. I am sorry to hear about your burning eyes after consuming any type of food. Below I have included a link to Connect's group about eyes. You might find some of the discussions interesting.
-Eye Conditions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/eye-conditions/
Have you discussed your symptoms with a specialist at all? How long have you been experiencing these reactions after eating?

mommo9 | @mommo9 | Aug 26, 2020

For a couple years. I used to just think I was not feeling well in general, but as I have been putting puzzle pieces together for other health issues (erratic BP and pulse) with several doctors, I have discovered the burning eyes (Burning like when you have a fever), face flushing and headache only comes directly after eating. My eyes are completely fine all other times. A recent diagnosis of EOE had me really tracking food related symptoms.

tullajackson | @tullajackson | Dec 5, 2020

Did you every find help and relief? After hazardous chemical exposure (1-bromopropane), my eyes burn and water after I eat...especially sugar....but the reaction is not just to sugar. I now take benedryl to combat the negative immune system response (burning watering eyes after eating). Benedryl was something I decided to test when my friend told me MD Anderson was using Benedryl as part of their regiment to treat cancer patients. Benedryl seems to stop or mask the negative immune system response and the burning and watering eyes stops in minutes.

mommo9 | @mommo9 | Dec 5, 2020

I still have the reaction. I don’t think I have been exposed to hazardous chemicals.
But, when you said “negative immune system response” that got me thinking....I have 3 autoimmune diseases, so maybe it is related to something there.
Thanks for telling me! I will try the Benedryl and also look into the immune reaction!

ken82 | @ken82 | Dec 6, 2020

@mommo9 From WebMD.. Benedryl is "Diphenhydramine, that is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Diphenhydramine can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep.
This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its drying effects on such symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose are caused by blocking another natural substance made by your body (acetylcholine)." It should not be used on Children without express Doctor's instructions...