Do you get red eyes during the springtime? Are they watery and itchy when the pollen count is high?
These are signs that you may have eye allergies. Keep reading for helpful tips for dealing with your allergy eye symptoms!
What are the Symptoms of Eye Allergies?
Symptoms of eye allergies include red, itchy, watery eyes and swollen eyelids. You might also have congestion, a runny nose or sneeze a lot. If you have dry eye, eye allergies will only make these symptoms worse.
What Causes Eye Allergies?
Allergens are usually harmless, but if you have allergic reactions, it’s another story. Some of the most common allergens are mold, dust, pollen and pet dander. Reactions could be from eye drops or make-up as well.
Avoid Allergens
This is easier said than done, but the best way to control your eye allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens. This means doing your best to limit your exposure to the allergens.
For example, when the mold count is high, you should stay inside as much as you can. This is the time to use your air conditioner as well! It helps filter the air.
You should use high quality filters to trap common allergens and replace them often.
If you need to go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from allergens. Even if it’s a beautiful day, you should drive with the windows closed.
Don’t Wear Your Contacts
If you have eye allergies, one of the worst things you can do is wear contacts. Contact lenses attract allergens and can create a build up of them.
It is better to wear glasses if you know you suffer from eye allergies during allergy season. Also, every time you need to deal with your contacts, you’re using your fingers. It’s likely that your fingers are covered in allergens too!
Use Eye Drops
Since allergies are common, there are plenty of eye drops available. These eye drops can help get rid of the redness, itchiness and watery eyes due to allergies.
If your allergy symptoms are mild, the non-prescription eye drops might work well. They will be less expensive too. You should ask your doctor for a recommended brand.
Prescription Medication
If over the counter eye drops do not help reduce your allergy symptoms, it’s time to go to the eye doctor. The components of your prescription could include:
- Antihistamines: Your body naturally produces histamines. They can cause a runny nose, as well as watery, itchy eyes. An antihistamine reduces an allergic reaction by blocking histamines.
- Decongestants: Decongestants reduce congestion by helping you breathe better.
- Mast Cell Stabilizers: You should take these before allergy season starts. They don’t work immediately but they can be good if you are prepared!
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: eye drops without steroids in them help to reduce swelling.
- Steroids: Can help reduce allergy symptoms. There are side effects for long-term use.
Immunotherapy
A last resort is immunotherapy. If you undergo immunotherapy, your doctor will inject you with allergens.
It sounds crazy but it can help your body build up immunity! For many people, this results in a less severe allergic reaction.
Do you need help treating your allergy eye symptoms? Schedule an appointment at South Texas Eye Institute in San Antonio, TX today!
