eye crud in NYC

September 18, 2006 2:32 PM

I get eye crud only while in Manhattan, does anyone know why or how to stop it?

When I wake up in the morning I have green/yellowish eye mucus which is usually crusty. My eyes are often itchy. I only get this when in Manhattan. I'm thinking it might have to do with the water/pollution, etc... Does anyone have any solid info/random speculation about my condition?

posted by jourman2 to health (9 comments total)

that sounds like a classic allergic reaction, which could be to anything, including the cleaners used in the hotel.

perhaps take an over-the-counter antihistamine like Claritin during your stay? drink lots when taking any loratidine derivatives as they work by 'drying' you out a bit.

use a saline / artificial tears eyedrop to help clear your eyes up as well. I don't personally recommend Visine 'redness reducers' if you'll be using them frequently, as with extended / continual use, the ingredients in it can cause rebound effect, making your eyes dryer and redder.
posted by lonefrontranger at 2:39 PM on September 18, 2006

To clarify, I live in NYC permanently, but I've noticed that if I go somewhere else for a week or two I do not have the same symptoms.

Thanks
posted by jourman2 at 2:42 PM on September 18, 2006

Yep, definitely sounds like allergies. Figure out what's causing them - pets, dust mites, pollen, etc. An allergen test performed by a doctor is the best way to do this.

As mentioned, OTC Claritin is also a good place to start with medication.
posted by chrisamiller at 2:46 PM on September 18, 2006

Potential Exposures to Airborne and Settled Surface Dust in Residential Areas of Lower Manhattan Following the Collapse of the World Trade Center



Any slight breeze will be kicking up this dust for awhile.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:46 PM on September 18, 2006

I'm a resident, as well, and have almost perpetually dry eyes. Echoing lonefrontranger's comment, my opthamologist recommends Allergan's Refresh line of products.
posted by NYCinephile at 3:03 PM on September 18, 2006

Moving here from a "clean" place, I can attest to the pollution in NYC making subtle, yet noticeable differences on my allergies and overall wellness.

And most of my friends who visit here feel a sore throat or allergic symptoms coming on after being here a few days.

Look out the window. Notice how you can only see a mile in any direction through the haze? There's your answer.
posted by hermitosis at 4:27 PM on September 18, 2006

Haha do you need the wild speculation here? Manhattan is one of most crowded, polluted, and dirtiest places in the world (I'm sure your eyes do this in LA, too, for example).
posted by shownomercy at 4:48 PM on September 18, 2006

I think it's just particles. I get the same thing when I sand wood (do anything that generates sawdust). It's just how your eye cleans itself. (The "greenish" thing gives me pause, but yeah.)
posted by salvia at 7:05 PM on September 18, 2006

I've been living in the city for 6 years, and about two years ago I woke up with serious eye-crud. The optometrist explained that for some reason my eye was producing/secreting too much oil. He had me pat the eye (clsoed) with a warm water compress twice a day and it cleared up within a week or so. Not sure if this is exactly whats going on with you, but the warm water compress thing kinda worked.
posted by jrb223 at 10:22 AM on September 19, 2006