What are eye allergies?
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.
How do optometrists test for eye allergies?
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.
What can trigger eye allergies?
Eye allergies can be caused by a number of agents, including:
- Irritants: gas fumes, perfumes, cigarette smoke
- Indoor allergens: mold, dust mites, pets
- Outdoor allergens: pollen from weeds, trees, grass
How are eye allergies treated?
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:
- Avoid window fans
- Limit houseplants
- Fix water leaks
- Set the AC on “recirculate.”
- Wear glasses and sunglasses outside
- Wash your hands frequently
- Reduce your exposure by using hypoallergenic pillowcases and mattress covers, frequently washing your bedding, avoiding carpeting and rugs, and washing wood floors rather than sweeping.
- Check pollen counts.
The doctor might also prescribe oral anti-allergy medication or topical eye drops to alleviate symptoms.
