Allergies affect more than just the nose. For example, many people experience eye allergies, resulting in red, swollen, and itchy eyes. Common triggers for allergies include pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. An optometrist can help diagnose the cause of your allergies and provide a treatment plan. The doctors of optometry at Lamorinda Optometry in Lafayette, CA, can help treat allergies and other eye conditions.
What Triggers Eye Allergies?
Several allergens can trigger allergies in eyes by affecting the immune system, which essentially misfires, triggering the body’s natural defense mechanism. When exposed to allergens, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold, the body releases histamine, a chemical causing swelling and inflammation. When this occurs, the eyes swell, get red, tear up, and become itchy.
Some of the most common triggers for these allergies may include pollen, dust, pet dander, and other indoor allergens. Also, makeup, perfume, or other chemicals can trigger allergies.
Symptoms of Allergies in the Eye
Some people experience symptoms as soon as their eyes contract with an allergen, while others may not experience symptoms for a few days. Common signs of allergies in the eyes may include red, irritated, itchiness, tearing, swollen eyelids, soreness, burning sensation, pain, and sensitivity to light. It is also common to experience a stuffy or running nose and sneezing when suffering from allergies.
Treatments
Some medications for nasal allergies work for those suffering from allergies in the eyes, which can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamine medications and eye drops. In addition, our team may prescribe medications, ointments, or eye drops to help with your allergies. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, it may be necessary to use one or more of the treatment options.
Common Methods to Reduce Symptoms
When suffering from allergies in the eyes, there are several things that you can do to help reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms. Standard methods to reduce your symptoms include wearing sunglasses outside, rinsing your eyes, lubricating eye drops, and avoiding rubbing your eyes. Call an eye doctor on our team for additional treatment options if your allergies continue.
Visit Us for More Information from an Eye Doctor on Our Team
If you are experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, call to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor on our team. An optometrist on our team at Lamorinda Optometry in Lafayette, CA, can help diagnose and treat your allergies, providing treatment options that will offer relief from your symptoms. Call us at (925) 283-8502 to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists.