Eye allergies, also referred to as allergic conjunctivitis, is a hypersensitivity reaction when your eyes come into contact with a trigger allergen. While some only happen during certain seasons, they may still cause inconvenience, discomfort, and even vision problems. Currently, around 50 million of the U.S. population have them yet only a few understand their proper management. Let your reliable optometrist, Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, talk about this condition in detail and suggest remedies.
Common Causes
Eye allergies develop when your immune system overreacts to an object or substance you usually encounter daily. Outdoor airborne matter, like pollen, dust, and grass, are some of the most common culprits, especially during spring and fall. Pet dander, lint, and other indoor irritants may also cause this problem. Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and other overwhelming scents may irritate your eyes as well.
Disease Process and Symptoms
These allergens or irritants, while normally harmless, may attach to antibodies found in your eyes’ mast cells, triggering your hypersensitivity reflexes. In turn, these specialized cells would initiate an inflammatory response by releasing histamine. According to your expert eye doctor, you may develop red, watery, and itchy eyes when this happens. Burning sensation may also be experienced as the problem worsens.
Types of Eye Allergies
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis happens during specific times of the year, particularly spring, summer, or fall. Apart from watery eyes, you may also have a runny nose, nasal congestion, and even hay fever. The perennial type, on the other hand, occurs all year long but their manifestations are milder.
Keratoconjunctivitis usually develops among males, commonly occurring as a complication of eczema or skin asthma. There’s also contact allergic conjunctivitis which is a result of improper contact lens wear and care while giant papillary conjunctivitis is its severe form, manifesting with fluid-filled papules in your inner eyelids.
Relief and Management
Eye allergies can easily be prevented by avoiding your specific irritants as much as possible. It’s also best to seek an opinion from your trusted eye clinic. We may prescribe antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications to control exacerbation of your allergy attacks.
Before heading outdoors, we advise wearing face masks or wrap-around glasses to protect your eyes. We also recommend using eyeglasses instead of contact lenses in the meantime to reduce eye irritations. Make sure to wash your hands frequently as well to prevent allergens from your hands from entering your eyes.
If you have any further questions about eye allergies, call us at (717) 609-4443 or complete our <a href=”https://www.4patientcare.ws/v5dn/ws/wsv3p.aspx?CoverKey=2087