Eye Allergies
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 177, Word Count: 549,
Eye allergies, known as allergic conjunctivitis are common condition that occurs when the eyes react to something which irritates them (known as an allergen). The eyes produce a material known as histamine to fight off the allergen. Due to this, the eyelids and conjunctiva, the skinny, filmy casing which covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye (sclera) become swollen, red and itchy with burning and tearing. Unlike viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis does not spread for person to person.
Individuals, who suffer from eye allergies generally, though not always have nasal allergies as well, with a stuffy, itchy nose and sneezing. It’s generally a temporary condition related with seasonal allergies. Nonetheless, in other cases, eye allergies could develop from exposure to other environmental factors, such as dust, pet dander, perfumes, smoke or even foods. If the exposure is constant, the allergies could be more serious, with major itching and burning and even sensitivity to light.
Eye Allergy Causes
Conjunctiva, a clear layer of skin overlying the eyes is frequently affected by eye allergies. This clear layer of skin, which lines the surface inside the nose, is the same sort of skin. The same allergens (substances which bring on allergic reaction) could trigger the same allergic response in both areas as these areas are too similar.
The common allergens include: grass, weeds, pollen, dust and pet dander. Several allergies are caused by the body’s response to allergens in the air, both indoors and outdoors such as pet dander, dust, smoke or mold. Allergic reactions to perfume, drugs or cosmetics could also cause the eyes to have an allergic response. Some individuals might be allergic to the preservative chemicals in lubricating eye drops. Instead, they need to use preservative free drops.
Some individuals could inherit eye allergies from their parents. You are more likely to have this allergy if both your parents have it.
Eye Allergy Symptoms
The most common symptoms of eye allergy include:
- Swollen, red or itchy eyes
- Tearing or burning of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
You might also experience an itchy, stuffy nose and sneezing along with headache, an itchy or sore throat or coughing, if the eye allergy is accompanied with nasal allergy.
Seeking Medical Care
If you suffer from allergies, but could recognize and avoid whatever you are allergic to, your allergies must improve noticeably. If you aren’t able to recognize or avoid the allergens, seeking care for your eye allergies from an ophthalmologist might help to make them more bearable.
Before the season in which you suffer from allergies, you might want to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist in order to start the treatment before your symptoms begin, if you have SAC (seasonal allergic conjunctivitis).
Regular appointments with your ophthalmologist might be useful to examine your eye allergies, if you have PAC (perennial allergic conjunctivitis). Infrequent flare-ups of your symptoms might require more visits. A session with an allergist could also be beneficial.
You could also take care of your eyes at home other than seeking medical attention from your doctor.
About the Author
Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy
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