If you have watery, itchy, red eyes that are making your life uncomfortable, you might have eye allergies. Although other conditions can cause these symptoms, an allergic reaction is a common culprit. The following article examines the subject of eye allergies in more detail.
What It Is
An eye allergy occurs when your eyes are especially sensitive to a certain substance, such as dog hair. When you are exposed to the allergen your body reacts by creating histamine. The histamine, in turn, causes your eyes to water, itch and become red. You may also feel a burning sensation in your eyes in some instances.
Types
Seasonal allergies are the most prevalent type of allergies that affect the eyes. They are caused by various substances that are produced by plants, such as tree pollen and ragweed pollen at certain times of the year. If you are allergic to tree pollen, for example, then you might have eye problems during the spring but might be fine at other times of the year.
Another common cause of annoying eye problems are perennial allergies, which occur all year round. Allergens that can cause reactions at any time during the year include pet dander, dust mites and mold.
Discomforting eye symptoms can also result from an allergic reaction due to wearing contact lenses. In some cases, your contact lenses can produce watery, itchy eyes. Swelling and a discharge from the eyes are also possible symptoms. This reaction occurs because some people's immune systems see the contact lenses as a foreign body. When this happens, the immune system produces histamine to deal with situation. The underlying cause of the allergic reaction might be the material from which the lenses are made or an improper fit.
Treatment
A range of treatments are available to alleviate eye allergy symptoms. Perhaps the simplest remedy is to simply avoid the allergen in question as much as possible. For example, if you have a pollen allergy, try to stay indoors as much as you can during pollen season and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes when you go out.
Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and eye drops can also keep eye allergy symptoms under control. Prescriptions medications, including corticosteroid eye drops, can provide relief in more severe cases. For eye allergies related to contact lenses, you might need to change to a new pair of lenses or have them refitted.
For more information about eye allergies and possible treatments, consult with an optometrist at a clinic like Cripe Stephens & Stickel.
Share20 April 2016
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