Symptoms and Treatment for Ocular Allergies

Various things can cause eye allergies, such as certain eye drops and cosmetics. Allergic reactions to insect bites and food allergies usually do not affect the eyes as seriously as airborne allergens do. Ocular allergy, also called allergic conjunctivitis, happens when your conjunctiva has a reaction to something you are allergic to. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane covering the inside of the eyelid and eye.
 

Like all allergies, ocular allergy starts when your immune system identifies something as an allergen. Even when the substance is otherwise harmless, your immune system will produce antibodies that release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction.
 

Mold spores and pollen are the most common causes of allergic conjunctivitis. People with hay fever typically experience worse symptoms when they venture outdoors on days when pollen counts are high. Indoor allergens like pet dander and disk mites can also cause eye allergies. If you suffer from indoor allergens, your symptoms will likely worsen when you groom your pet or clean your house.

 

Causes of Ocular Allergies

When you say you have allergies, most people will expect you to sneeze. An allergy attack can hit other parts of your body. For example, you can have itchy, swollen, red eyes because of ocular allergies. To find the right treatment for this condition, you need to determine what triggered it in the first place.
 

The symptoms of ocular allergies are very annoying. Other than temporary blurriness, however, they pose little danger to your eyesight. The condition is not contagious, unlike infections such as the pink eye. You need to understand that puffy and burning eyes can stem from dangerous infections. It is important, therefore, to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
 

When you have eye allergies, your body reacts negatively to things that are not dangerous. It releases a chemical that causes inflammation and swelling, known as histamine. The blood vessels in your eyes swell, causing your eyes to get itchy, teary, and red. You can be allergic to pollen from trees, weeds, and grass, or indoor allergens such as pet dander and dust. You can also be allergic to perfume, makeup, and other chemicals, or even contact lenses.

 

Symptoms of Ocular Allergies

Your symptoms may manifest immediately you encounter something you are allergic to, or you may have them for a few days. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include irritated eyes, sensitivity to light, and swollen eyelids. You may also experience pain, burning, or soreness in the eyes. You may also notice other symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, runny nose, and stuffy nose.

 

Treatment for Eye Allergies

Some of the medication that works for nasal allergies will also work for ocular allergies. Over-the-counter pills and eye drops can also offer quick relief. Antihistamine liquids and pills relieve itchy and watery eyes by blocking histamine. Some of the common ones include Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl, and Claritin.
 

Some eye drops work when people take them before they start experiencing symptoms. They usually work slower than antihistamine eye drops, but their effects last longer. You can also reduce symptoms of ocular allergies by using artificial tears to wash out allergens and moisten your eyes. Rinsing your eyes with saline water and wearing sunglasses when you are outside will also reduce the symptoms of eye allergies.


 

If you experience or develop severe eye pain or loss of vision, you need to call your doctor immediately. At Family Eye Clinic, we take pride in offering the highest quality eye and vision health care. Call us at (972)775-8000 to schedule an appointment or visit our offices in Midlothian, Texas.