EYE ALLERGIES
Do you have itchy, watery eyes? Are your eyelids swollen? Do you have redness and irritation? Are you experiencing soreness, burning, pain, or sensitivity to light? If you are presenting these symptoms, chances are you have what’s commonly known as eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis.
When you have an allergic reaction to things that are not actually harmful, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and other indoor or outdoor allergens, histamines are produced by the immune system. The histamines are a chemical that produces the redness and swelling. As the blood vessels in your eyes begin to swell, the redness, itching, and tearing begin. This is all symptomatic of a undesirable result of the immune system, which is the body’s natural defense system.
Depending on the severity of the allergies, there are some simple steps that you can take to reduce the symptoms.
- By wearing sunglasses regularly, you can block pollen and other allergens from blowing into your eyes.
- If you’re experiencing redness, swelling, and irritation, place a cold, damp facecloth over your eyes for some relief.
- Rather than rubbing your eyes, irregardless of how much they itch, use lubricating drops (artificial tears) which will moisten your dry eyes as well as dispense of some of those allergens.
- If you’re a contact lens wearer, simply remove your contacts and perform some of the above steps.
There are numerous over-the-counter allergy medications and eye drops that generally work very well in most cases. Medications that are taken for allergic rhinitis, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, are equally effective with allergic conjunctivitis in addition to soothing artificial tear eye drops. Drops, such as Zatador, that are over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops, are also relatively effective in place of the tablets. However, if your condition is more severe, consult an ophthalmologist.
To make an appointment at West Side Eye Clinic, you can reach us at (504) 347-8434. For more information, you can submit a request at info@westsideeyeclinic.com. We are located at 4601 Wichers Drive in Marrero and are at your service Monday through Wednesday from 9am – 5pm; Thursday and Friday from 9am – 4pm; and by appointment only on Saturday.
Your complete eye health is our top priority!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
