What are the signs of eye allergies?
Just as with nasal allergies, signs and symptoms can vary by individual. The most common signs of eye allergies include:
- Red eyes
- Eye itchiness
- Swollen eyelids
- Burning eyes
- Dry eyes
- Sore eyes
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Sticky or watery eye discharge
Some eye allergies occur alongside nasal symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose, and runny nose. Less commonly, eye allergies can accompany skin symptoms like hives, redness, and welts.
Why do I have eye allergies?
The cause of eye allergies can vary with your environment and lifestyle. Some of the most common culprits include outdoor triggers like pollen, indoor allergens like dust and pet dander, and environmental triggers like cigarette smoke.
Allergic conjunctivitis, a form of pink eye, can also cause allergic symptoms in your eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis most commonly comes from outdoor triggers, including pollen and mold spores.
Many eye allergies are seasonal, typically in the spring and summer months. Others are year-round, especially those related to indoor environmental allergens or systemic medications.
How are eye allergies diagnosed?
Bainbridge Eye Care offers comprehensive care that starts with an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process usually includes a comprehensive eye exam, symptom review, a medical history review, and sometimes checking for a particular type of white blood cells in your eye.
What is the best treatment for eye allergies?
Eye allergy treatment varies with the underlying cause.
Avoiding triggers
Avoiding your allergic triggers is the most effective way to manage eye allergies. Some measures you can take to minimize allergies include using an air purifier, using hypoallergenic cosmetics, staying indoors during high pollen counts, and frequently dusting your home.
If you're not sure of your specific triggers, you may need allergy testing to help you determine the best lifestyle adjustments.
Symptom management
In some cases, it's just not possible to completely avoid your eye allergy triggers, and that's where management solutions come in.
Prescription steroid eye drops, antihistamines, decongestants, and over-the-counter artificial tears can all help you manage symptoms and greatly improve your comfort.
If eye allergies don't improve with these treatments, you might need immunotherapy, aka allergy shots.
The Bainbridge Eye Care specialists are well-versed in every aspect of eye allergies, from initial diagnosis to management and advanced treatment. Get eye allergy relief now by calling the office or clicking the online appointment maker now.
