Red, burning, itching, and tearing eyes can be symptoms of eye allergies — a condition that affects millions of people. The expert optometrists at Eye Care Unlimited in the Bronx, New York, are ready to use their extensive knowledge and experience to best treat your eye allergies. Call today to schedule an eye allergy appointment.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an overreaction by your body’s immune system to a specific foreign irritant. These cells react by releasing histamine, a chemical that can cause eyes to become watery, itchy, and red. About 1 in 5 people are affected. Although eye allergies are a common condition, many people treat their nasal allergies without considering their itchy eyes.
A comprehensive eye exam is needed to confirm an allergy is causing your symptoms, rather than an eye disease or injury. The eye care team will examine your medical history, analyze the blood vessels and cells on the eye, and even take cell samples from the inner lining of your eyelids to see if a type of white blood cell is present.
Eye allergies can be caused by a number of agents, including:
Although it's not always possible, the best way to treat eye allergies is to avoid the irritants. Examples of how to prevent eye allergies include:
The doctor might also prescribe oral anti-allergy medication or topical eye drops to alleviate symptoms.