Daily Contact Lenses Are A Good Option
For many contact wearers suffering from allergies, daily disposable contact lenses are a good choice. This is because the contact lenses are thrown away each day. Because of this:
- Allergens like pollen and dust do not have time to build up on the lenses
- You dont use daily cleaners and disinfectants that could irritate the eye
Daily disposable contact lenses with an allergy makes sense. For more comfort from allergies, talk to your eye care professional about changing to daily lenses.
If you cannot wear daily disposable contact lenses, here are a few other things to try:
- Gas-permeable lenses: these have less build-up than other soft lenses
- Replace your soft contact lenses more often during allergy season
- Ask your eye doctor to recommend an alcohol-based contact cleaning solution
With the right lenses and the proper eye care, you can wear contact lenses even if you have an allergy. Plus, theres no need to feel unattractive or suffer from itchy, red eyes. Instead, ask your doctor and optometrist how you can improve your allergy symptoms. Together, theyll help you find the perfect solution!
Rubbing Makes Eye Allergies Worse
Red, itchy eyes can be so uncomfortable, itâs tempting to rub or scratch. As much as you may want to, try to keep your hands away. Rubbing will only make symptoms worse by triggering the release of more inflammatory chemicals. Refrain from wearing eye makeup that might irritate eyelids. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Apply cold compresses over the area to help relieve symptoms. Wash your hands often to minimize introducing dirt or allergic substances into sensitive eyes.
Eye Symptoms And Anaphylaxis
An allergic reaction to a food, insect sting or bite, or medication may cause eye symptoms with swelling, itching and redness of the conjunctiva and soft tissues around the eyes. Individuals who are at risk of anaphylaxis should be referred to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.
Eating of foods containing monosodium glutamate or the preservative sodium metabisulfite will occasionallycause swelling and redness of the eye. However this is not a true allergic reaction and therefore symptoms will be less severe.
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
For more information go to www.allergy.org.au
To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au
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Allergy Shots Side Effects For Adults
Allergy shot side effects or reactions are usually minimal and easy to manage. Because youre being injected with allergens sometimes your body can overreact.
For this reason its important to always carry an Epi-Pen with you to the doctor, in your car, to work/school. Ill explain the side effects and reactions Ive experienced during my 5 years of allergy shots.
Allergy Shots Effectiveness My Opinion
Are allergy shots effective? A few years ago, prior to starting allergy shots, I was in a horrible place.
I couldnt make it to work, I stopped socializing, and I stopped exercising. I became obsessive about controlling my environment and reducing any stress.
I didnt know what was causing me to feel bad and I didnt know what to do.
Thankfully I was allergy tested.
But that didnt solve the problem. The first allergist I visited didnt help me much.
He only tested me for a couple things and gave me allergy drops there was very little communication or explanation on his part. After that experience, if you were to ask if allergy immunotherapy is effective I would have said no.
Thankfully I was retested for allergies by a reputable allergist.
I received the full spectrum of tests and the process was explained to me. We decided on a way to move forward. I strongly believe that allergy shots are effective.
Over the past few years Ive reduced my allergy symptoms by about 80%. I can breathe through my nose and my eyes are less itchy.
My fatigue is gone. I only need 7 hours of sleep a night and I wake up energized and ready to go. Ive also been able to hold a job.
I suffered from allergies year-round, not just seasonally. I was desperate to find a solution and Ive followed the schedule outlined by my doctor.
Ive also be retested a few times to make sure the allergy shots are working. Guess what? I no longer react to many of the allergens I first tested positive for.
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Triggers: What Causes Red Eyes
Red eyes may occur when someone is exposed to their triggers. These triggers may differ from person to person. Pollen, dog and cat dander, dust mites, and mold are just a few potential eye allergy triggers. When a susceptible person is exposed to these allergens, a substance called histamine is released. Histamine and other inflammatory compounds are responsible for itchy eyes, watery eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Eye drops are available that reduce redness. They may or may not contain compounds that act as antihistamines and relieve itching, too. Red eyes that may be mistaken for pink eye are a common symptom of eye allergies.
A Longer List Of Symptoms For Eye Infections
Red, itchy watery eyes and a burning sensation are common symptoms of eye allergies and infections. However, the latter has a longer list of symptoms, which include pain, a gritty feeling in the eyes, sensitivity to light, a thick discharge and a mucus-like discharge . In general, if you experience pain in your eyes or theres anything other than tears thats being discharged for them, theres a strong chance your eyes might be infected. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Viral eye infections usually clear up on their own, although cold compresses and lubricating eye drops can help you manage symptoms. However, for bacterial eye infections, youll need to get a prescription.
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Ways Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Eyes
When people think of seasonal allergies, they usually think of sneezing or perhaps coughing, but may not realize that allergies can also affect the eyes. Seasonal outdoor allergens such as pollen and ragweed, as well as indoor allergens such as pet dander and dust mites, can all cause the eyes to become irritated, itchy, or swollen. Here is a closer look at the ways seasonal allergies can affect the eyes.
If your eyes are red or irritated, or the whites have a pink tint, you may wonder if its allergies or an infection. In fact, when its caused by an allergen and not a bacteria or virus, this sign is common in people with seasonal allergies. Dust or pollen can cause eyes to look red or irritated, due to an immune reaction to the specific substances that trigger it.
Most people experience itchy eyes once in a while. Itchy eyes, known in medical jargon as ocular pruritis, have many causes, but one of the main causes is allergies. Irritating substances trigger the release of histamines in the tissues of the eyes, leading to itching and other symptoms.
Like other symptoms on this list, watery eyes have a variety of causes including blocked tear ducts, dry eyes, a foreign object in the eye, and infection. However, allergies a likely culprit as well. This symptom may clear up on its own, or it may require medical treatment.
What Is The Treatment For Eye Allergies
The first and best option is to avoid contact with substances that trigger your eye allergies. If that is not enough, consider using:
- Saline eye drops to wash away the allergens
- Over-the-counter medicine or eye drops
- Prescription treatments from your doctor
- Allergy shots from your doctor
Eye allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed or after the allergy is treated. Talk to your pharmacist and health care provider about what is best for you.
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What Are Eye Allergy Symptoms
When you have eye allergies, the mast cells lining the conjunctiva release histamine when exposed to allergens and irritants. Those allergens and irritants cause the conjunctiva to swell and symptoms of eye allergies to occur.
Common symptoms include:
- red, irritated, teary and itchy eyes
- burning
Hot, dry weather dries out the eyes and makes eye allergy symptoms worse.
Symptoms To Watch For
You may start to have symptoms as soon as the eyes come in contact with the allergen, or you may not have symptoms for two to four days.
Symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Soreness, burning, or pain
- Sensitivity to light
Usually youâll also have other allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy, runny nose and sneezing.
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What Are Eye Allergy Symptoms And Signs
Typical symptoms associated with eye allergies include inflammation of the conjunctiva that is caused by a reaction to allergens. The inflammation causes enlargement of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva , resulting in a red or bloodshot appearance of the eyes. These allergy symptoms can range from very mild redness to severe swelling associated with discharge.
Treatment Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
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Eye drops and tear supplements
Allergic conjunctivitis treatment includes anti-allergy eye drops. Using chilled tear supplements and cold compresses and avoiding known allergens can help reduce symptoms.
Drops that have an antihistamine, such as ketotifen, may be enough for mild cases. This drug can be bought without a prescription. If ketotifen is insufficient, prescription antihistamine eye drops or mast cell stabilizers may be effective.
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Can Allergic Conjunctivitis Affect Only One Eye
A: Usually, allergic conjunctivitis is bilateral, meaning that it affects both eyes. It is possible that in a small number of cases, it may be unilateral, affecting only one eye. An example might be where an allergen comes into contact with just one of the eyes.
Why Do You Have An Allergic Reaction
When a foreign substance, such as pollen. causes hypersensitivity, your immune system responds by producing antibodies that release histamine. Histamines cause itching, mucus and sometimes swelling. Allergies can occur year-round, but for many people pollen and grass allergies are more likely to occur in the spring or fall.
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Allergy Medications For Eyes
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can give short-term relief of some eye allergy symptoms. Prescription treatments can provide both short- and long-term help.
Sterile saline rinses and eye lubricants can soothe irritated eyes and help flush out allergens.
eye drops can curb eye redness by constricting blood vessels in the eyes. These drops tend to sting a bit, and they donât relieve all symptoms. Whatâs more, their effect tends to be short-lived. If you use them for more than a few days, it can cause ”rebound” eye redness.
eye drops containing ketotifen can ease allergy symptoms for up to 12 hours. They wonât cause rebound redness even with long-term use.
Refrigerating your eye drops may bring more relief.
In addition to red, itchy eyes from allergies, many people also have other symptoms, like a stuffy, runny nose. If you do, nasal steroid sprays can help your eyes and nose. Over-the-counter options include Flonase, Rhinocort, and Nasacort. Several others are also available with a doctor’s prescription.
Oral antihistamines can also help. Cetirizine and loratadine tend to be less sedating than some older drugs, and they provide longer-lasting relief. Keep in mind, though, that oral antihistamines do dry the eyes and can make a dry eye condition worse.
If you need more help, a doctor can prescribe other eye drops. For severe or persistent cases, immunotherapy can also help.
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What Looks Like Pink Eye But Isnt
Other conditions may cause a red or pink eye, such as iritis and uveitis , blepharitis , a stye , or chalazion . A foreign body or substance in the eye, or an injury causing damage to the surface of the eye can also cause symptoms. Injuries, exposure to chemicals or other toxic substances, severe pain, or loss of vision should always be evaluated immediately.
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What Is The Treatment For Dry Eye
Artificial tears lubricant eye drops are the main treatment for dry eye. They can keep the eye moist and reduce symptoms. You can buy artificial tears at a drug store or grocery store without a prescription. They come in liquid, gel or ointments. Preservative-free artificial tears are best for long-term use, but they are more expensive.
Other things you can do to help improve dry eye include:
- Try to blink a lot, especially when you are reading or using a computer. This helps keep your eyes moist.
- Avoid excess air conditioning or heating as much as you can. Also avoid sitting directly in the flow of cold or hot air.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom and any other space where you spend a lot of time.
- Use goggles or moisture chambers if your doctor or nurse suggests them. Moisture chambers are special devices that fit on your glasses. They can help keep your eyes moist. You can buy moisture chambers at most stores that sell glasses.
Additional treatments include prescription eye drops and anti-inflammatory medicines. If these are not successful, tear duct plugs or surgery that requires the assistance of an ophthalmologist may be recommended.
Many people with difficult-to-control dry eye struggle with wearing contact lenses and may need to stop using them for as long as symptoms persist.
Complications Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
While they may cause discomfort in daily life, most cases of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis clear up completely, and complications are rare.
However, in severe cases of contact conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis, a person may develop inflammation, ulcers and scarring on the cornea, the front of their eye. This is called keratitis and requires urgent medical treatment to prevent long-term damage to vision.
Severe cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis can also cause long-term damage to the eyes if left untreated.
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Diagnosing Eye Allergies When Do I Need A Doctor
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions to determine whether you have an allergy, and if so, what may be causing it. Providing a good description of your symptoms and when and where they begin will help your doctor make the correct diagnosis.
Because eye symptoms can occur with a variety of illnesses, your doctor will need to consider whether you may have another eye disorder, an infection, or other allergy .
Some eye conditions that may be mistaken for eye allergies are infective conjunctivitis, acute glaucoma, keratitis, and iritis. Even after a thorough clinical evaluation and review of your medical history, a referral to an ophthalmologist may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to confirm that your eye symptoms are in fact caused by an allergen. Allergy testing is done by an allergist, and most commonly involves skin testing. You may be given a prick test, in which a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin via a needle.
A positive prick test will reveal swelling and redness of the skin. Other types of skin tests include patch testing and intradermal testing.
You may also undergo blood testing to measure the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood. In some instances, an elimination test is done. You simply avoid certain items to see if your symptoms resolve. This type of testing is often used to check for food or medication allergies.
If Youve Read That Epiphora In One Eye Can Be Caused By A Sinus Tumor Youre Certainly Hoping That Its Just Benign Sinusitis Causing All The Watering In That One Eye
Epiphora in just one eye is, obviously, more alarming than excess watering that simultaneously affects both eyes.
A tumor may come to mind for many people when the excess tearing or watering affects only one eyesince a tumor can easily be imagined to be in just one nasal cavity.
Sinusitis is an extremely common and benign problem.
Sinus congestion and nasal congestion, if more severe on one side, can block the drainage of the nasal lacrimal duct, says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology one of her specialties is sinus surgery.
Dr. Silvers continues, This duct goes from the eye and drains our natural tears into the nose. The duct also goes by the name lacrimal gland.
This explains why we are congested when we cry as we produce more tears and the nose is getting full. Without this duct the eyes would run all the time.
Epiphora is a blocked nasal lacrimal duct. The duct can be narrow over time genetically but can also be congested at the level of the nose.
Bad allergies, sinus infections, colds and polyps can affect the ducts ability to properly function.
Its fair to point out that a lacrimal gland tumor can cause epiphora. However, this kind of tumor is exceedingly rare. How rare?
The National Cancer Institutes epidemiology program has, in its database, 754 patients with a lacrimal gland tumor.
Lets give that some perspective: These patients span a time period from 1973 to 2010!
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An Introduction To Eye Problems And Seasonal Allergies
Eye problems are perhaps the most common or significant symptom of seasonal allergies. When pollen lands on the eye, not only does this irritate the sensitive tissues, but also triggers the release of a chemical called histamine.
This reaction of the eye to pollen and other allergens is called allergic conjunctivitis. The symptoms can cause you to feel that your vision is affected. Thankfully, this is only temporary and it is extremely unlikely that any long term damage will occur to your eyes. Nevertheless, many seasonal allergies sufferers long for some relief from their symptoms.
