Eye Allergies

Red, irritated, or itchy eyes are common among many, mainly due to allergies. While some people may simply find these symptoms annoying, others may experience more severe symptoms that can negatively impact daily life. If you are bothered by eye allergies, our team of skilled eye physicians can help you find an effective solution.

What are Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are common for many people. When the eye is irritated by an allergen, it produces a substance called histamine to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids become red, swollen, and itchy, and the eye may burn or tear. There can be many causes of eye allergies, such as dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, perfumes, or even some foods.  

The most common symptoms of eye allergies include red, swollen, or itchy eyes, burning or tearing eyes, and sensitivity to light.

Diagnosing Eye Allergies

To properly treat eye allergies, your eye doctor will check to see if you have eye allergies or an eye infection. This may be done with a slit lamp microscope to check for swollen blood vessels on the eye. They may also test a specific type of white blood cell in your eye. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, your eye doctor will provide you with information regarding treatment or ways to control symptoms.

Treatment for Eye Allergies

The best way to treat eye allergies is to avoid or limit your contact with the substance(s) that are causing the problem. To help determine what exactly needs to be avoided, an allergist can perform a skin or blood test to determine specific allergens. Treatment for eye allergies may also include eye drops and medication such as the following:

Artificial Tears

Artificial tear eye drops can help temporarily relieve eye allergies by washing away allergens in the eye. They can also relieve dry, irritated eyes.

Decongestants

Decongestants can reduce redness in the eyes caused by allergies. They are available as over-the-counter eye drops. However, you should not use eyedrops long-term, as longer-term use may actually increase your irritating symptoms.

Antihistamines/Mast-Cell Stabilizers

Eye drops that contain both an antihistamine to relieve itchiness and a mast-cell stabilizer to prevent eye allergies can be an effective option. These can be used once or twice daily to relieve symptoms.

Corticosteroids

Steroid eye drops can help to address chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling. However, they should always be used under medical supervision due to possible serious side effects.

Immunotherapy Shots

If symptoms cannot be controlled by allergen avoidance, medication, or eye drops, immunotherapy may be an option. If you are considering this treatment, please discuss your options with your ophthalmologist and primary care physician.

Schedule Your Appointment

Eye allergies can be annoying and interfere with daily life. If you are struggling with eye allergies and are seeking relief, please get in touch with Campus Eye Group in Hamilton, NJ, today.

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