Eye Allergies

What are eye allergies?

Allergic conjunctivitis is common among the population. When an allergen irritates the eye, the eye reacts by producing a substance called histamine. Histamine is meant to fight off the allergen. As a result of the reaction, the eyelids and conjunctive become red, swollen and itchy. Eye allergies do not spread from person to person.

Nasal allergies are common among people who have eye allergies. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies. Pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes or foods can irritate the eye and cause eye allergies. If you cannot avoid the triggering allergen, your allergies can be more severe. Some people inherit eye allergies form their parents. You are more likely to have allergies if both of your parents have them than if only one does.

What are the symptoms?

Red, swollen or itchy eyes
Burning or tearing of the eyes
Sensitivity to light

If you have nasal allergies, symptoms may include:

Stuffy, itchy nose
Sneezing
Headache
Itchy or sore throat
Coughing

What are the treatments?

Avoiding allergens

If you are allergic to pollen, avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are highest. Pollen counts are highest in the mid-morning and early evening. Also avoid being outdoors when wind blows the pollen around. Wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses can help prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.

When in a car or at home, keep your windows closed and use air conditioning. This will help lower your exposure to pollen and other irritants while you are inside. Keep your air conditioning units clean so they won’t cycle allergens.

If mold is an allergy trigger for you, keep your humidity level in your home around 30 to 50 percent. High humidity can cause molds to grow, so cleaning high-humidity areas (basements, bathrooms and kitchens) often will help prevent it. A dehumidifier in particularly humid or moist places will be helpful.

If dust is an allergen for you, try to keep dust mites away from your skin. Using allergen-reducing covers for your bedding and pillows will help reduce the accumulation of dust. Wash your bedding frequently with hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. When cleaning floors, use a damp mop or rag instead of a dry dust mop or broom to trap the allergens.

If you are allergic to pets, try to have minimal contact with them. It is important to not allow a pet into your bedroom so you can sleep in an allergen-free room. Hardwood or tile floors instead of carpeting traps the pet dander better. Remember to always wash your hands after touching a pet.

The most important action to remember is to not rub your eyes. It will only irritate them.

Treating eye allergies with eye drops and medicine

Artificial tears:

Artificial tear drops help relieve the eye allergies temporarily by washing allergens from the eye. They also relieve dry, irritated eyes by adding moisture to it. You may use them as often as you need to if they are preservative free.

Decongestants (with or without antihistamines):

Decongestants reduce redness in the eyes from allergies. They are available as over-the-counter eye drops. If the decongestant eye drops include an antihistamine, they can relieve itchiness as well. These should not be used for more than two to three days. Longer-term usage actually increases your irritating symptoms.

Antihistamine / Mast-cell Stabilizers:

Eye drops with both an antihistamine to relieve itchiness and a mast-cell stabilizer help prevent eye allergies. You use them once or twice a day to relieve itching, redness, tearing and burning. The instructions vary on the type of eye drop you use.

Corticosteroids:

Steroid eye drops can help treat chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling. Steroids should never be used without medical supervision due to possible serious side effects.

Your doctor can help determine which treatments are best for you.

For more information, visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/allergies

If you are experiencing any symptoms or want to see what treatments are right for you please contact us to make an appointment.