Do you think you might have eye allergies? If you are experiencing itchy, red or watery eyes on a persistent basis there’s a good chance you might be right.
Let’s examine some of the common symptoms and triggers of eye allergies, as well as potential treatments.
Quick Eye Allergy Facts
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis:
- Are very common. Studies have shown an estimated 6-30% of the general population have symptoms of eye allergies.
- Occur frequently in people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Can be seasonal or perennial.
- Usually cause mild symptoms. However, 30% of patients suffer from intense and frequent symptoms.
Common Triggers
- Grass
- Ragweed
- Animal dander
- Feathers
- Dust mites
Symptoms
- Itchy eyes (most common)
- Eyes that are red, swollen, or stinging
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Swollen eyelids
Other possibilities
While the symptoms above are associated with eye allergies, other causes exist as well. These include infections like pink eye or eye strain from staring at your computer. Always speak with your doctor or medical professional if you have questions about any of your symptoms.
If you notice any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of a more serious issue:
- Severe eye pain
- Light sensitivity (intense)
- Changes in vision
Treating Eye Allergies
If you suffer from eye allergies, minimizing your exposure to triggers is an effective method to reduce symptoms. You can do this by limiting your time spent outdoors while pollen levels are high. You can also use an air purifier and regularly clean your home and bedding to remove indoor triggers.
However, it is not always feasible to stay inside and avoid allergens. If your allergies are keeping you from eating lunch at an outdoor café or taking walks through Stono River County Park they are interfering with your ability to fully enjoy your life.
In this case, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication might be a better solution, such as:
- Oral antihistamines like Claritin or Allegra
- OTC eye drops
- Prescription eye drops
- Topical steroids (only in severe cases and under the guidance of your physician)
For many people, eye allergies are mild and can be managed with lifestyle changes and OTC treatments. If you continue to experience persistent symptoms, make an appointment with an allergist. They can give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment tailored to your needs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.