Over half of the world’s population has some sort of allergy, and the prevalence of allergies has only continued to increase for decades. They can be triggered by outdoor allergens (such as pollen, grass, or trees); indoor allergens (such as dust, mold, or pet dander); and/or irritants (such as smoke, perfume, or exhaust). With that in mind, allergens are pretty much everywhere. While all parts of the body can be affected by these allergens, the eyes seem to be an extra uncomfortable place for allergens to take over.
Eye allergies occur when the immune system becomes sensitized and reacts to something in the environment. Symptoms of these allergies can range from a simple redness to severely impaired vision. Because these symptoms mirror those of some eye diseases, it can be difficult to tell the difference at times. The first step would simply be just to take some over the counter medication, depending on the symptoms. If your eyes continue to get worse, you should go see an allergist or ophthalmologist. Even though you may think to see an allergist, making an appointment with an ophthalmologist is even more imperative in order to ensure that no diseases of the eye are present.
Treatment for eye allergies is difficult, as the best solution to an allergy-related problem is to avoid the allergens that caused your reaction. However, sometimes this just isn’t a feasible option — if you’re allergic to pollen, you can’t go outside? Nevertheless, there is still hope: you can stay indoors as much as possible and/or wear glasses outside to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes. For indoor allergens, your best bet is to wipe down surfaces often to prevent dust buildup, keep windows closed, and use a dehumidifier to fight against mold. In general, it is also important to wash your hands often (especially if you’re around a pet you’re allergic to) and avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes. Over the counter medications can help to some extent as well, whether taken daily or as needed. But, if that’s not enough and your allergies persist, it’s best to see an allergist to keep your eyes (and any other allergy-affected areas) safe and healthy. And if you’re ever concerned about eye problems, curious about corrective eye surgery, in the market for some new glasses, or just hoping to schedule a checkup, call us at Aiken Eye for help!
Cortney Rielly 