Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. It has characteristic symptoms and they begin to appear in times when trees and plants bloom or drop their leaves.
An eye allergy is an adverse immune response that occurs when the eye comes into contact with an irritating substance. This substance is known as an allergen. The reaction causes numerous irritating symptoms, such as itching, redness, and watery eyes. In some people, eczema and asthma can also appear. Some over-the-counter medications can usually help relieve eye allergy symptoms, but people with severe allergies may require additional treatment recommended by a specialist physician.
How to recognize them? Main symptoms
It is not too difficult to know the symptoms of eye allergies, as they usually include itchy or burning eyes, watery eyes, red or pink eyes, flakes around and puffy eyelids, especially in the morning. This can happen in both or just one eye. In some cases, these signs may be accompanied by a runny nose, congestion, or sneezing.
However, it is important to know how to differentiate eye allergies from conjunctivitis. The eyeball is covered by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, conjunctivitis can occur. This disease causes the eyes to become watery, itchy, and red or pink.
Although conjunctivitis and eye allergies have similar symptoms, they are two different conditions. Eye allergies are caused by an adverse immune reaction. Conjunctivitis, however, is the result of eye allergies and other causes. For example, they can be due to bacterial infections, viruses, contact lenses, or chemicals. It is also very contagious, but not eye allergies.
What Causes Eye Allergies?
Being an eye allergy, its origin is in an adverse immune reaction to certain allergens. Most reactions are triggered by allergens in the air, such as pollen, dander, smoke, or dust . Normally, the immune system makes chemical changes in the body that help fight harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in people with allergies, the immune system misidentifies a harmless allergen as a dangerous intruder and begins to fight it. Typically, these reactions can also occur when a person comes into contact with an allergen and rubs their eyes.
Histamine is released when the eyes come in contact with an allergen. This substance causes many uncomfortable symptoms, such as watery and itchy eyes. It can also cause a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. An eye allergy can occur at any time of the year . However, it is especially common during the spring, summer, and fall months when trees and plants are in bloom.
However, to know if we are really suffering from an eye allergy, an allergist must be the one to diagnose it . Seeing an allergist is important if you have other allergy-related symptoms, such as asthma or eczema. They will first assess your symptoms and then perform a skin prick test to determine the underlying cause. A skin prick test involves pricking the skin and inserting small amounts of suspected allergens to see if there is an adverse reaction. After a few minutes, a red, swollen bump will appear, indicating an allergic reaction.
How are eye allergies treated?
The best way to treat an eye allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes it. However, this is not always possible, especially if you have seasonal allergies. Fortunately, there are treatments that can alleviate eye allergy symptoms.
Medicines
Some oral and nasal medications can help relieve eye allergies, especially when there are other allergy symptoms. They should always be prescriptions and recommended by a specialist. In addition, in most cases you will need a prescription to buy them.
The most common are antihistamines, decongestants or steroids. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose and stick to specific days for taking it.
Allergy shots
There are allergists who may recommend allergy shots if symptoms do not improve with medication. Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that requires a series of allergen shots.
The amount of allergen in the injection steadily increases over time, although it can only be given for a number of years in a row. Allergy shots modify your body’s response to the allergen, helping to reduce the severity of your allergic reactions.
Eye drops
There are many different types of eye drops, prescription and over-the-counter, available to treat eye allergies. Eye drops used for eye allergies often contain olopatadine hydrochloride, an ingredient that can effectively relieve symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. There are also over-the-counter ones, such as artificial tears, which can help remove allergens from the eyes.
Other eye drops contain antihistamines or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some eye drops should be used every day, while others can be used as needed to relieve symptoms. It is important to see a doctor to find out which eye drops work best.
Natural medicine
Various natural remedies have been used to treat eye allergies with varying degrees of success, including allium cepa, which is made from purple onion, euphorbia, and galphimia. However, ask a doctor about whether any home remedy is safe to use for you, and whether it is really effective.
A cool, wet washcloth can also provide relief for people with eye allergies. You can try putting the washcloth over your closed eyes several times a day. This can help relieve dryness and irritation.
Can they be prevented?
In order to avoid the appearance of eye allergies, the first thing we must do is control the exposure to the allergens that cause the symptoms. There are several cases, allergies outdoors, indoors or in pets.
Outdoor exposure
Ideally, stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are at their peak, typically mid-morning and early evening, and when the wind blows pollen. It is also recommended to avoid the use of window fans that can attract pollen and mold to the house.
It will be a great idea to wear glasses or sunglasses when you are outdoors to minimize the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes. And, if it stings, try not to rub your eyes, as this will irritate them and could make the situation worse.
Indoor exhibition
It is important to keep the windows closed and use the air conditioning in the car and at home. Of course, it is important to keep air conditioners clean to prevent dust from spreading.
It is also advisable to reduce your exposure to dust mites, especially in the bedroom. Use “mite-proof” covers on pillows, duvets and duvets, and mattresses and box springs. Also, you should wash your bedding frequently, using hot water.
To limit exposure to mold, keep the humidity in your home low (30 to 50 percent) and clean bathrooms, kitchen, and basements regularly. Use a dehumidifier, especially in the basement and other humid places, and empty and clean it frequently. If mold is visible, clean it with detergent and a 5 percent bleach solution.
Interaction with pets
If your eye allergy is due to contact with pets, wash your hands immediately after petting any animal. It is also recommended to wash clothes after visiting friends with pets.
If you are allergic to a domestic pet, try to keep it out of your home as much as possible. If your pet must be indoors because you live in a beak, keep it out of the bedroom so it doesn’t expose you to animal allergens while you sleep. It is also recommended to replace carpets with hardwood, tile or linoleum, which are easier to keep dander free.
