Effective Treatments for Eye Allergies

Eye allergies can be a nuisance, causing irritation and discomfort. If left untreated, they can cause serious long-term damage to your vision. That’s why it’s important to seek out effective treatments for eye allergies as soon as possible.

What Are Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergy, are quite common. This happens when the eyes come into contact with something that irritates them (like an allergen). The eyes respond to this by releasing histamine. This is an immune system response to defend against the allergen.
 

Eye allergies can cause redness, swelling, and itchiness of the eyelids and conjunctiva. Furthermore, people with this condition may experience tearing and burning sensations in their eyes. Unlike other types of conjunctivitis, eye allergies are not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another.
 

Many people who suffer from eye allergies also experience nasal symptoms. These include a stuffed nose, itchy sensations, and sneezing. This is mainly linked to seasonal allergies and is usually a temporary issue.

What Causes Eye Allergies

Allergic conjunctivitis is mostly caused by seasonal triggers such as pollen and mold spores. Hay fever may not be a direct cause. But its symptoms can aggravate during days when the allergy-inducing agent count is high outdoors.
 

Indoor allergens, like dust mites and pet dander, are known to trigger eye allergies all year round as well. If you’re allergic to these, you might experience more intense symptoms while cleaning your place or taking care of an animal companion.
 

Certain irritants like cigarette smoke, fragrances, and diesel fumes can cause reactions in people who are sensitive to these stimuli.

How to Treat Eye Allergies

Are you suffering from eye allergies? Fortunately, there is a wide range of over-the-counter remedies available to ease your discomfort. These include medications such as eye drops, antihistamines, and nasal steroids. You need to use them according to the instructions given.
 

In some cases, prescription medications may be more effective. Options vary from eyedrops and allergy shots to non-sedating oral antihistamines.
 

To effectively manage your eye allergies, you need to be aware of what specifically sets them off. Avoiding the allergen is key; however, it may not always be easy to pinpoint this. In such cases, consulting an allergist and undergoing skin or blood tests can help determine the exact allergen causing the problem.
 

To reduce your exposure to allergens, try making a few changes to your lifestyle. Close the windows during seasonal high pollen periods. Consider putting on air-conditioning in both your house and car. Also, wear a pair of glasses when outside to safeguard your eyes from airborne particles. To ensure protection from dust mites, you may need to invest in dust mite-proof mattresses, pillows, and bedding covers. Getting a dehumidifier is also great for controlling molds. Additionally, washing your hands after petting any animal is also recommended.

From over-the-counter medications to prescription eye drops, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of eye allergies. Do your eye allergy symptoms bother you? At Advanced Vision Institute, we can help you find the best treatment for your individual needs. Call our clinic today in Las Vegas, Nevada, at (702) 819-9800 for personalized eye care.