Eye Allergies 101: Managing Symptoms and Finding Relief

Having clear eyes is one of the major prerequisites for great quality of vision. Barring any underlying health or eye conditions, healthy eyes should be free of debris, irritants or any obstruction to the eyes diminishing your ability to see. Eye allergies are one of the most common reactions to indoor and outdoor irritants. Managing symptoms and finding relief begins with determining what kind of eye allergies you have and eliminating, as best as possible, the triggers causing eye allergies in the first place.

Primarily, eye allergies are seasonal or perennial, meaning all year round. Perennial eye allergies (perennial allergic conjunctivitis) are typically milder than seasonal allergies that flare up due to change in seasons and are usually attributed to household allergens such as dust mites, mold and pet dander. Seasonal eye allergies (seasonal allergic conjunctivitis) is by far the most common kind of eye allergy. Usually brought on by plant pollens in the air from grass, trees and weeds, symptoms include itching, redness, burning and clear, watery discharge. In addition to outdoor and indoor allergens, irritants such as cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust can bother the eyes.

In addition to avoiding these environmental factors as best as possible, you can make changes to your home and routine by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, wearing protective eyewear, investing in bedding and pillowcases designed to keep mites away, cleaning floors with a damp mop instead of sweeping that stirs up household allergens, and washing hands thoroughly after contact with pets or animals. Over the counter medications can provide relief with artificial tears, decongestant eye drops and oral antihistamines. If allergies persist, contact an allergist or your ophthalmologist for prescription medication that may include allergy shots, non sedating oral antihistamines and eyedrops of various types such as decongestant, antihistamine, mast cell stabilizer, corticosteroid and NSAID.

For a comprehensive eye exam at Skyline Vision Clinic, call 719-630-3937. For more information on eye allergies, managing symptoms and finding relief, visit our website at WEBSITE.