More than 100 million Americans struggle with allergies, and it’s not just adults who are suffering. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that about 33% of adults and 25% of children have some allergy.
Allergies are notorious for causing itching, sneezing, and — you guessed it — eye problems. Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) happen when your eyes come into contact with an allergen that irritates your eyes.
Common allergens include pollen, dust, grass, pet dander, and environmental irritants. Regardless of what triggers your eye allergies, the reality is that it’s unpleasant.
At Bainbridge Eye Care, Nicanor Lacsina, O.D., and Yelena Pinkhasova, O.D., diagnose and treat eye allergies in adults and children in the Bronx, New York.
Here are five common signs of eye allergies and what you can do about them:
Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander can trigger your immune system and cause your eyes to become irritated and inflamed. Rubbing your eyes may worsen the itch, so try to avoid it as much as possible.
Use over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops to reduce itching and inflammation. You can also try cold compresses to soothe your eyes.
You may need to take out your contact lenses until you get the itchiness under control.
If your eyes are constantly watering, it might be due to an allergic reaction. When allergens come into contact with your eyes, your body produces excess tears to flush them out. While this is good in theory, it leaves you with eyes that don’t stop watering.
Note: dry eye syndrome can also lead to watery eyes.
The best way to avoid watery eyes is to reduce the chance allergens come into direct contact with your eyes. You might consider:
Until your allergies are under control, you might consider wearing waterproof makeup (if you choose to wear makeup) to help avoid smudges.
Swelling around your eyes can occur when allergens trigger inflammation. Your eyelids may puff up and feel heavy.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the swelling persists, let us know. You may benefit from stronger prescription medications like corticosteroid eye drops.
Eye allergies can make your eyes more sensitive to light and cause discomfort when exposed to bright lights or the sun. This symptom, known as photophobia, can also be associated with other eye conditions, so it's critical to pay attention to when it occurs.
Wear sunglasses when outdoors, and try to avoid bright, direct light. Blue-light-blocking glasses can also help you manage sensitivity to bright lights from computers, TVs, and tablets.
Allergies can also contribute to a gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes. Some people may describe it as something stuck in their eyes. Other symptoms often accompany this feeling, such as redness and watering.
Other conditions, such as pterygium, can cause grittiness, so get an accurate diagnosis before trying any at-home treatments. Avoid rubbing your eyes because if you have a foreign object (sand, etc.) in your eye, rubbing it in can damage your eye.
The best way to manage eye allergies is to avoid your triggers. Keep your living spaces clean and dust-free, and use air filters during allergy season.
You may need to consider allergy medication and eye drops to help manage your symptoms if exposed to allergens.
The occasional itchy or watery eyes are one thing — everyone’s eyes can water if you get a speck of dust in your eye! — but if your symptoms are persistent or severe, talk to us.
You may benefit from the following depending on your needs:
With over 20 years of experience, Nicanor Lacsina, O.D., and Yelena Pinkhasova, O.D., are experts in managing eye allergies. We have what you need here at Bainbridge Eye Care, from diagnosis to advanced treatments.
To learn more about eye allergy management, call us at 718-306-9127 or click here to request your appointment today.
