03 Feb Ocular Allergies
Up to 50 million Americans suffer from the miseries of allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, a clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by an immune reaction involving a sensitized individual and an allergen. Simply stated, this means that if you are allergic to a particular substance and then come into contact with it, you experience an allergic reaction (itching, sneezing).
Allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly seen in areas with high seasonal allergens.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Weeds
- Dust
- Pet Dander
The primary symptom is ocular itching. In addition to ocular itching, you may experience the following
symptoms:
- Redness
- Tearing
- Burning Sensation
- Blurred Vision
- Mattering and/or mucous production
Treatments
Avoiding the allergen (s) you are allergic to is the most effective preventive measure.
Unfortunately, avoidance is not always easy or possible. In this case, the following at-home treatments may provide you with some relief from your ocular allergies.
- Apply cold compress to your eyes to help reduce allergic reaction
- Use artificial tears/lubricating eye drops as needed to help flush out allergens that get into your eyes
- Use over-the-counter medications, such as allergy eye drops and oral antihistamines, as directed for mild allergies
- Sometimes prescription eye drops are necessary for symptom relief. These include effective ocular antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, or steroid medication
If ocular allergies are problematic for you, the doctors at Capital Eye Consultants would be happy to recommend the right regimen for your needs.
Please call us today and we would be happy to help, so you can enjoy the rest of the summer symptom-free.