Causes Of Eye Allergies
You may have an allergic reaction if your eyes come into contact with certain chemicals or airborne allergens. Indoor causes of eye allergies are generally irritants circulating in the air or trapped in common household items and surfaces. These include:
- Dust
Indirect exposures and risk factors include:
- Genetics
- Having certain food allergies
- Insect bite or sting allergies
Sinus Infection And Blurry Vision
Sinus infections can cause more than just pain in the area of the eyes. In fact, sinus infections can cause problems even if you dont feel pain.
Sinus pressure can impact blood circulation to the eyes. Disruption in blood circulation to the eyes causes sudden, patchy blurred vision. A warm compress across the forehead can ease pressure and reduce the swelling. This restores proper circulation of blood to the eyes and the blurry vision is cleared.
Sudden blurry vision can be a symptom of a serious condition and your doctor should always be consulted. It is extremely unlikely but a sinus infection could actually spread into the eye socket, causing an infection that could cause blindness. Dont risk it. See your doctor.
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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Causes Of Eye Discharge
- Itchy, red eyelids
- Blurry vision
Blepharitis occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become plugged with mucus, dirt, or debris from the environment. These glands protect the surface of your eye from these irritants, but if they are inflamed or clogged it can lead to discharge.
Treatment
The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep your eyelids clean. You can do this by using:
- Warm compresses
- Artificial tears
- Make-up remover pads
- Baby shampoo
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.
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Symptoms Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Generally, allergic conjunctivitis is bilateral, meaning that it affects both eyes. Symptoms tend to develop quickly, and one eye may be more severely affected than the other. Rubbing the eyes may make symptoms worse.
- Pinkness or redness of the eyes
- Burning, intense itching or a sensation of grittiness in the eyes
- Watering of the eyes the discharge is clear
- Swollen eyelids, which are red on the inside
- Slight sensitivity to bright light
- Other symptoms of allergy, e.g. itchy nose, sneezing and scratchy throat
Depending on the cause and type of allergic conjunctivitis, there may be other symptoms and signs. If you think that you may have allergic conjunctivitis, try using the Ada app to find out more about your symptoms.
Pain is not typically a symptom of allergic conjunctivitis. If it does occur, it tends to be mild. Furthermore, a personâs vision is not usually affected. Severe eye pain may indicate another, more serious condition such as glaucoma, and, if present, medical attention should be sought promptly.
If any symptoms affecting the eyes are severe or vision is impaired, it is important to contact a doctor without delay.
Treatment For Seasonal Perennial And Animal
In addition to the general measures described above:
No treatmentIf symptoms are mild, no treatment may be needed.
Eye dropsEye drops that reduce the allergic reaction are often prescribed.
The most commonly used eye drops are antihistamine eye drops and mast cell stabiliser eye drops. Eye drops usually work well. You need to use them regularly to keep symptoms away until the cause of the allergy goes away . Some people find one product works better than another. Therefore, if the first does not work so well, a switch to another may help. If your eyelids are very swollen, it may take several days for the drops to ease symptoms fully.
Note: tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as some treatments may not be advised.
Eye drops and contact lensesMost drops contain preservatives. However, in some cases preservative-free versions are available, as the preservatives may also cause eye irritation or allergy! Soft contact lenses should not be worn whilst the drops are being used, as the preservatives can be absorbed into the lenses and can further irritate the eyes.
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How To Prevent Eyelid Swelling
Eyelid swelling prevention tips include:
- Get examined for allergies. If allergies cause swollen eyelids frequently, understanding what you’re allergic to may help you avoid or limit your exposure to particular allergens.
- Maintain proper eye hygiene. Neglecting your eyes increases the risk of bacterial and viral infections that can cause your eyes to swell.
- Buy beauty products that are hypoallergenic to avoid flare-ups. It’s always recommended doing a patch test on the wrist to check for any potential skin reactions.
- Handle your contacts with care. Contact lenses are good but can be a haven for bacteria if exposed to contaminated surfaces or used for extended periods.
- Attend regular eye checkups. This will help your doctor discover the condition before it worsens.
In this article
How To Prevent Sinus And Allergy Symptoms
If you experience allergies, there are ways you can reduce your exposure to allergens and prevent symptoms:
- Track pollen counts. On sunny or windy days, there will be more pollen in the air. Check your local forecast to see when pollen counts will be highest.
- Shower and change after spending time outside at Grand Park. Youll want to remove allergens right away so you dont spread them through your home.
- Install a HEPA filter. These high-efficiency particulate air filters can reduce the amount of allergens in your home or office.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an allergy expert, call the House Institute today.
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There Are Several Signs Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Typical signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:
- Redness in both eyes.
- Itching and burning of both the eye and surrounding tissues.
- Watery discharge, often accompanied by acute discomfort in bright sunlight light .
- The conjunctiva itself may become very swollen and look light purple, and this may interfere with clarity of vision.
Eyelids may also be affected by an allergic reaction, causing the loose tissues of the lid to become swollen with subsequent drooping of the eyelid. In cases of severe swelling, the lids cannot open and the gap between the upper and lower lids becomes slit like.
It is important to note that blurred vision or corneal haze require urgent referral to an eye specialist.
Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms may be:
- Perennial due to exposure to dust mite, animal dander, indoor and outdoor mould spores and occasionally foods or food additives.
- Seasonal due to airborne allergens such as pollen of grasses, trees and weeds. Pollen allergy symptoms vary from day to day, depending on the weather, improving in wet weather and worsening on hot windy days or after thunderstorms. There are also seasonal variations in some airborne mould spores, which may cause seasonal symptoms.
Why Do Animal Allergies Cause Eye Irritation
Eye irritation due to allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergies, is a common problem for allergy sufferers. One cause of allergic conjunctivitis that plagues many people is pet dander. Itchy, watery, red eyes after contact with an animal or after entering a room where an animal normally lives could be due to animal allergies. Almost 62% of households have pets and about 10% of all people have animal allergies, so a significant number or people are affected. In addition, the NIH found that detectable levels of pet dander could be found in every home.
Allergies are caused by your bodys immune system deciding that a harmless substance is an allergen, which in turn eventually causes the production of antibodies called IgE, since your body is attacking the allergen as though it were a virus or bacteria. The IgE antibodies are responsible for the resulting allergic reaction. Ocular allergies are when something that you are allergic to irritates part of the eye known as the conjunctiva. As a result your eyes water, itch, hurt, or become red and swollen. The increased tear production can, in turn, cause a runny nose.
Allergies to dogs can be due to the dander, urine, or saliva, but may also be due to pollen, dust, or mold that the dogs brings in from outside. Pollen is one of the most common allergens and might be mistaken as dog allergies in certain cases.
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Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes
If your eyes feel dry and irritated in the winter months when there are fewer outdoor allergens, then you may have a form of tear dysfunction known as dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is not an allergic reaction it happens when your eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make go away very quickly.
Many people have dry eye, including about one-third of older adults. Its commonly found in people with eye allergies as well. Symptoms are sometimes worse when its cold or windy outside, after you turn on the heat in your home, or if youre in a dry environment. Some medications, including oral antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-depressants, can cause symptoms.
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis Or Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Pollen is the most common allergen to cause conjunctivitis in countries that have cold winters.
If conjunctivitis results from pollen, there will likely be other symptoms, including sneezing, an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is also known as hay fever.
It usually happens during the spring and summer months. At this time, plants, and especially grass, trees, and flowers, are in pollen. Some people have symptoms during early fall.
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Antihistamine Pills And Eye Drops
Antihistamine pills and liquids work by blocking histamine to relieve watery, itchy eyes. They include cetirizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , or loratadine , among others. Some may cause drowsiness.
Antihistamine eye drops work well for itchy, watery eyes. You may need to use them several times a day, but donât use the over-the-counter kinds for more than 2-3 days. Prescription kinds include azelastine hydrochloride , cetirizine ophthalmic , emedastine difumarate , levocabastine , and olopatadine .
They are often combined with other kinds of drops, including some that shrink swollen blood vessels in your eye. You shouldnât use these kinds of drops, called or âget the red outâ drops, for more than a few days at a time. They can also lead to a rebound redness if used too frequently. Donât use them at all if you have glaucoma.
Over-the-counter antihistamines include ketotifen fumarate .
How To Treat Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies
It is important to note that not all cases of puffy eyes are caused by allergies when seeking treatment, be sure you are treating the appropriate underlying cause. Lack of sleep, aging and diets heavy in salt can all cause swelling in the eye area.
However, when puffiness is caused by allergies, some degree of itching is usually present.
Many allergy sufferers find relief by using OTC products formulated to alleviate the symptoms of allergies in the eye area. Eye drops are a common option and include tear substitutes, antihistamines, and ones that contain mast cell stabilizers.
Tear substitutes help to form a barrier over the eye that protects it from airborne allergens, and helps to flush out potential contact allergens. Antihistamine drops work to reduce swelling and puffiness that have already been initiated by the allergen by blocking histamine receptors. Eye drops that contain mast-cell stabilizers will inhibit mast cells from producing antihistamines, therefore preventing an inflammatory allergic reaction.
Other than eye drops, certain sprays and oral medications can be effective in treating puffy eyes caused by allergies. Studies suggest that liposomal sprays may be as effective as antihistamine eye drops when it comes to alleviating allergy symptoms.
Oral antihistamines may also provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms these medications block the bodys production of histamines and prevent a reaction to the allergen from occurring.
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What Can Be Done To Relieve Eye Allergies
There are preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of suffering from eye allergies. Certain medications can also help relieve the symptoms.
If you want to avoid triggers of your eye allergy, observe the following practices:
1. Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses when outdoors. This will help keep the pollen out of your eyes.
2. Wash your hands after touching pets.
3. Keep your windows closed during pollen season. Use your air conditioning, and make sure your air filter isnt clogged with dirt.
4. Use mite-proof bedding so that you can minimize your exposure to dust mites. Consider running dehumidifier to reduce the risk of mold growth.
There may be days when you have no control over your environment, but dont worry because there are nonprescription medications that you can use to relieve your allergies. These include eye drops and antihistamines.
1. Eye Drops You can choose among several brands of non-prescription eye drops to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. These eye drops are good for relatively mild symptoms.
2. Antihistamines Your body responses to allergens by releasing histamine, a substance that dilates blood vessels and makes the walls of blood vessels permeable. This then results in a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamines reduce such effects by blocking the attachment of histamine to the cells in your body, which produce an allergic reaction.
What Is The Prognosis Of Eye Allergies
The prognosis is favorable for most patients with eye allergies. Typically symptoms clear up quickly with OTC/home treatment or when the offending allergen is not present any more. Unfortunately the symptoms may reoccur depending on the cause of the eye allergy. Health complications are very rare, but medical attentions should be sought immediately for any pain or vision loss that occurs or for symptoms that do not resolve within 12 hours.
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Can Allergies Cause Sinus Pressure
Its common to mistake sinus pressure from allergies as a bacterial sinus infection that requires antibiotics. While it is possible to develop a bacterial sinus infection because of inflammation caused by allergies, in most cases the uncomfortable sinus pressure will pass once you treat your allergy symptoms.
Natural Treatment For Eye Pain
The most common causes of eye pain are glaucoma and inflammation related to dryness and infections. In addition to the at-home remedies above, you can add natural supplements to reduce inflammation and pain. These natural ingredients are essential for eye health and can reduce the risk of age-related diseases too.
Lyc-O-Mato® is a mixture of the plant compounds lycopene, tocopherols, and phytosterols, and are beneficial for the eyes. They reduce blood pressure that can cause damage and inflammation.
Inflammation and oxidative stress can cause more than pain. Over time, the risk for macular degeneration and vision loss increases. Protecting your eyes with Lyc-O-Mato® significantly reduces this risk.
OptiLut® is a clinically proven formula containing lutein and zeaxanthin. These two carotenoids are found naturally in the eye and provide essential protection. They accumulate in the retina, which is responsible for receiving light and transmitting signals to the brain.
Blue light from screens is a threat to retinal health and increases the risk of macular degeneration. OptiLut® provides the two key eye carotenoids that can prevent this damage and pain.
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How Can You Avoid Eye Problems
You can minimize your risks for both eye allergies and infections. Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Either way, its easily spread.
You can minimize your risks for both eye allergies and infections. Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies.
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Either way, its easily spread.
Frequent hand washing is just one way to help prevent pink eye and other contagious diseases. Taking care with makeup and contact lenses also helps prevent bacterial pink eye from spreading.
