Eye Allergies
Categories
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Understanding and Combating Eye Allergies
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are conditions where the conjunctiva, the outer layer of the eye and eyelid, becomes inflamed and swollen due to exposure to an allergen or irritant. These allergies cause red, watery, itchy, and sometimes swollen eyes. These are some reactions of the oversensitive immune response like that produced in the nasal and respiratory systems. Millions of North Americans suffer from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis that occurs in spring, summer, and fall.
Vision Gallery provides comprehensive guidance on symptoms, causes, and treatments to ensure clear vision for all individuals.
What Causes Eye Allergies?
Your eyes may become very sensitive if you are allergic to something. It is because the small membrane covering them and the inner surface of the eyes can be affected by allergies. Some of the most common allergens are:
- Trees pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen, respectively.
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Smoke
Common Symptoms of Eye Allergies
- Red, swollen, or itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Burning or tearing up
- Sensitivity to light
- Having that grit or sand feeling in the eyes.
Identifying allergies and other eye conditions is crucial for proper treatment, especially in hot, dry weather, as it can worsen eye allergy symptoms due to dryness.
How to Relieve Eye Allergies
- Avoid Allergens
The best approach is prevention. Just stay at home if you are going to be at a house during a day with a high pollen count. Use allergen-blocking sheets for your bedding, and make sure there is no dust in your house.
- Over-the-counter treatments
Use antihistamine eye drops and oral tablets to calm the swelling and redness. Consult a pharmacist before use.
- Prescription Treatments
They are, however, the best prescription treatments for severe or persistent allergies. Such can include the administration of strong antihistamines or corticosteroids.
- Cold Compress
To ease this, put a cool, wet cloth on your eyes. It reduces swelling and itching.
Vision Gallery prioritizes ocular allergy concerns and addresses numerous valid questions from patients. We will delve into the most common inquiries we encounter.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an itchy, red, swollen, painful eye with clear, watery discharge. Small blood vessel leakage and fluid accumulation occur as white blood cells attach to the eye and nose mast cells. Rubbing or scratching excessively may cause the problem further and even infect it. Itchiness or swelling around the eye occurs mostly at night upon exposure to allergenic dust mites or pet allergens.
It makes it complicated to differentiate allergic conjunctivitis from pink eye caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis generally responds favorably to warm compresses. In case only one eye is affected, be careful not to touch the other eye. They should only be used with a thorough eye exam as they are risky in a number of bacterial conditions. Seek advice from a healthcare provider and incorporate symptom prevention and management into your treatment regimen.
It’s called an allergic shiner. It happens because of fluid accumulation around the eyes owing to edema. Blood settles in the eye, hence swelling and blackening of the skin. It is what makes one see dark circles. It could be an environmental allergy to pollen and mites or a pet allergy. It may denote a food allergy.
To maintain clear, clean, and comfortable eyes:
- Avoid airborne allergens and irritants.
- Pour just a few drops of non-preservative wash for eye or artificial tears into your dry eyes.
- You should use a cold washcloth on your hands, remove them from your eyes, and put your hands into a freezer for about 10 minutes to stop itching and swelling.
- Wash your hands and face after exposure to pollen and mold to reduce further aggravation.
Dry eye is a condition referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and is associated with insufficient tears or disappearing tears quickly. One-third of older adults experience it, while it is common in those with eye allergies. They become exacerbated in cold or windy weather, hot weather, and arid conditions. Dry eyes can also be caused by other medications such as oral antihistamines, sleeping pills, and antidepressants.
If you’re experiencing persistent eye problems, it’s crucial to seek professional help, as your eyes deserve the utmost care and attention.
Vision Galley: Your Partner in Eye Health
At Vision Galley, we acknowledge the inconvenience that eye allergies cause. We have a team of qualified optometrists to assist you on how best to see everything clearly and without being bothered by allergies.
Don’t let allergies ruin your sight. Book an appointment with Vision Galley today and ensure tomorrow is clear.
Book Your Consultation Now!