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Eye Allergies –
An allergy is an inflated immune response to a quite harmless substance, referred to as an allergen. Some common allergens include tree pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander. Patients who have allergies may have red, itchy, watery eyes after being exposed to these allergens.
Your physician may inform you that you have a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. With this condition, the membrane covering the whites and inner lids of your eyes (the conjunctiva) is oversensitive to allergens. It is one of the most common disorders of the eye.
Common types of Allergic Conjunctivitis include:
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Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis only occurs seasonally, or once during the year. It is mostly due to exposure of the eye to foreign substances such as pollen from grasses, trees, and/or weeds. You may know it as hay fever. Many patients with hay fever also have nasal symptoms.
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Perennial allergic conjunctivitis persists all through the year. It is usually due to exposure of the eye to always present domestic allergens such as animal dander and dust mite feces. Seasonal flare-ups can occur in either spring or fall, as a result of increased contact with molds and grasses.
Eye Allergy Diagnosis
Here at Triangle Eye Care, we will question you about your symptoms and when they occur in an effort to accurately diagnose your allergy. Most patients with eye allergies complain of itchy, watery and red eyes.
A simple eye exam at Triangle Eye Care is important in making the diagnosis because some other disorders can cause red eye. Our highly trained professionals will examine your eye for swelling of the blood vessels, conjunctiva, and eyelid. A physical examination and laboratory tests may also be needed to validate the diagnosis of an eye allergy.
Managing Eye Allergies -- The most significant way you can help your eyes feel better when you have allergy symptoms is to avoid the substances that set off those symptoms. For instance, when the pollen count is high, keep windows, doors, and vents closed; wear glasses or sunglasses; and avoid cutting grass and doing outdoor activities. If you get cabin fever and symptoms do arise, you can obtain temporary relief by applying cold compresses to your eyes or by washing them out with saline or artificial tears.
Eye drops: Many eye drops that help in different ways are available to treat eye allergies. Your choice depends on the intensity of your symptoms.
Tablets: Orally ingested antihistamines may partially relieve visual and nasal symptoms, but topical eye drops may prove to be faster and more successful in relieving ocular itch, redness, and swelling. Eye drops also allow the medication to get straight to the affected eyes.
To make an appointment at Triangle Eye Care or for more information about Eye Allergy treatment options, click here
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