Eye Allergy Management | National Asthma and Allergy Awareness

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. For many people, as we move into the warmer weather, that might mean an increase in allergy symptoms.

Many common allergy symptoms involve the eyes, but keep in mind, eye allergies don’t only occur in the spring. Some people are sensitive to environmental triggers that occur in the summer or fall. 
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In other cases, allergies can occur year-round due to indoor allergens. Read on as we take a look at eye allergy symptoms, treatment, and prevention. 
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What causes eye allergies? 

Allergies occur when your body responds to a substance as if it were harmful. The substance, which is called an allergen, could be anything such as pollen, dust, grass, or food.

As your body tries to fight the substance, your immune system releases antibodies. The antibodies bind to mast cells. When your body comes in contact with the allergen, the mast cells release histamine. It is histamine that causes many of the well-known eye allergy symptoms. 
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Common symptoms

Symptoms of eye allergies often start as soon as you have contact with the allergen. Symptoms may include:

• Itchiness
• Tearing
• Burning
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids

Some people may also develop symptoms unrelated to the eyes, such as sneezing, running nose, and wheezing. 
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Managing and treating eye allergies

Although eye allergies do not interfere with vision, they can still be annoying and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ease eye allergy symptoms, including the following:

Wear sunglasses outside: Sunglasses may block some of the substances, such as pollen, from getting in your eyes.

Rinse out your eyes: For outdoor allergens, as soon as you come in from outside, wash your face. Also, rinse your eyes well with cool water to get the pollen out.

Use artificial tears: Artificial tears can ease some of the soreness and discomfort due to eye allergies. Artificial tears may also rinse some of the allergens out of your eyes.

Consider eye drops: Various types of eye drops are available that may help ease symptoms. Some types of drops may only be available with a prescription. For example, steroid eye drops help decrease inflammation. Keep in mind, prescription eye drops may have side effects and should only be used under the direction of a doctor.

Take an oral antihistamine: Oral antihistamines block the release of histamine and help prevent allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes. Oral allergy medication may not be right for everyone. Oral antihistamines also may have side effects, such as increasing dry eyes.

Get allergy shots: Allergy shots may be an option if eye allergy symptoms are severe. Allergy shots work by gradually introducing the allergen through a series of shots. The shots help by allowing your body to adjust to the allergen and stop producing an allergic response.
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Prevention 

The best way to deal with eye allergies is to stop them before they start. Consider the following prevention tips:

Keep track of symptoms: By keeping track of when symptoms occur, you may be able to identify allergens. Once you determine what is causing symptoms, you can develop ways to reduce exposure.

Keep pollen at bay: If you are allergic to pollen, take steps to limit exposure. For instance, keep windows and doors closed on days the pollen count is high. Also, avoid outdoor activities in the morning when pollen counts tend to be the highest.

Limit mold growth: Mold is a common allergy trigger. Use a dehumidifier to help reduce mold growth inside. Additionally, wear a dust mask when doing yard work to reduce exposure to mold outdoors.

Use a HEPA filter: Consider using a HEPA filter in your home to reduce common indoor allergens.
We hope the information above helps keep your eyes free of allergy symptoms. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.