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.
How Do Seasonal Allergens Affect The Eyes
The major eye issue brought on by seasonal allergies is allergic conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when allergens reach the surface of the eye, and in response, mast cells release histamine, causing itching and watering eyes, clear discharge, and redness. Blurred vision caused by excessive tearing is also common. If the allergic conjunctivitis becomes severe enough, it can also irritate the cornea , causing pain and inflammation.
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.
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What Are Spring Eye Allergies
Posted by:Georgia Eye Partners in Uncategorized
Spring has sprung, and the change in season promises fairer weather and new beginnings. Unfortunately, springs new growth can also create seasonal allergies that leave you with congestion, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye allergies are also called allergic conjunctivitis, are pretty common. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them . The eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva become red, swollen, and itchy. The eyes can tear and burn. Unlike other kinds of conjunctivitis, eye allergies do not spread from person to person.
Patients who suffer from spring eye allergies commonly have nasal allergies and an itchy, stuffy nose and sneezing. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies.
You can also get eye allergies from pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, or even foods. If you cannot avoid the cause, your allergies can be more severe. You can have significant burning and itching and even sensitivity to light.
What Are the Symptoms Of Eye Allergies?
The most common eye allergy symptoms include:
- red, swollen, or itchy eyes
- burning or tearing of the eyes
- sensitivity to light
What are Eye Allergy Triggers?
Spring Eye Allergy Management
Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and your routine.
Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology
Allergies And Itchy Eyes: Tips For Relief
There are two types of allergies that can affect the eyes: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies commonly make their appearance in spring and summer. This is when you hear a large number of people dealing with similar reactions to the biggest seasonal allergy culprit: pollen.
Perennial allergies are more specific allergies that affect certain people all year long, whenever they come in contact with the object. Feathers, dust, and pet dander are common perennial allergens.
Both seasonal and perennial allergies can cause red, swollen, itchy, burning, and/or watery eyes. These symptoms are caused by the body reacting to the allergen and releasing histamine, a chemical that can cause swelling and inflammation. The release of histamine makes the blood vessels in your eyes swell and become red and itchy.
Relief for Itchy EyesItchy, watery eyes are not only unpleasant but also extremely inconvenient. Its hard to find relief for your eyes and refrain from scratching them out. At the same time, its easy to feel self-conscious when your eyes are constantly red and watery. If you deal with perennial allergies, try to pinpoint what exactly you are allergic to. This makes it easier for you to avoid those things. When you cant avoid your triggers, a damp rag over your eyes can provide short-term relief.
One last thing: we know its hard, but please dont rub your eyes. It may feel like rubbing your eye provides instant relief, but it will only make them worse in the long run.
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When To Consult A Doctor
Since there are many potential causes of dry eye, a person should contact a doctor if they have persistent dry eyes or their symptoms do not get any better. A doctor can check for other possible causes of the dryness and make a diagnosis.
A doctor will often ask about symptoms and examine the affected eye. According to the American Optometric Association , a doctor will likely check:
- how the eye appears externally, including the structure of the lid and how a person is blinking
- how the eyelids and cornea appear under a bright light and magnification
- how much tear volume a person is producing
- the quality of a persons tears
If a doctor suspects allergies, they may recommend an allergy test.
How Eye Allergies Are Diagnosed
When your eyes start to itch, swell, water consistently or turn red, you can visit an ophthalmologist for an official diagnosis and treatment plan. You may also want to visit an allergist to learn if you have food and environmental allergies.
Your eye doctor will run specific tests to rule out some potential causes of your misery. Theyll also need to know if you have any predisposing factors, including pre-existing allergies or parents with or a family history of allergies.
Only after providing an accurate diagnosis for allergic conjunctivitis can your doctor prescribe proper treatment to ease your symptoms.
Common eye tests for eye allergies include a slit lamp and a white blood cell test.
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Schedule An Appointment With Us Today
Summer allergies can be extremely daunting for anyone that cant seem to get rid of them. If this sounds like you, its important to know that there are a number of treatment options available and your local ophthalmologist can help you find the one thats right for you.
When youre ready to finally retake control of your eye health from allergies, contact Dr. Omar Shakir at Coastal Eye Surgeons. Youll be blown away by our boutique-style setting and the amazing technology we have to monitor, diagnose, and treat all of your eye health needs.
Triggers Of Eye Allergies
- Cause. An allergic reaction of the eyes to allergic substance. The medical name for this is allergic conjunctivitis. The allergic substance is called an allergen. Most allergens float in the air. That’s how they get in the eyes. Here are the common ones:
- Pollens. Trees, grass, weeds and molds are the most common pollens. Tree pollens come in the spring. Grass pollens come in the summer. Weed pollens come in the fall. Pollens cause seasonal allergies. You can’t avoid pollens because they are in the air. Most eye allergies continue through the pollen season. They can last 4 to 8 weeks. Pollens cause seasonal eye allergies.
- Pets. Allergens can also be from cats, dogs, horses, rabbits and other animals. Pet allergens are in the air. They can also get in the eyes from the hands. Most people don’t keep a pet that they are allergic to. They only have sporadic allergy symptoms when they are exposed to a pet. These symptoms usually last a few hours. If you own the pet, your child will have symptoms all the time.
- House Dust. House dust contains many allergens. It always contains dust mites. If your humidity is high, it will contain mold. If someone with a cat visits you, they will bring cat dander with them. House dust causes year round, daily symptoms. The medical name for this is perennial eye allergies.
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So How Do Summer Allergies Impact Eye Health
General eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are normally caused by something called an allergen. When allergens in the environment come in contact with antibodies that are attached to mast cells in the eye. These cells then release histamine that results in blood vessels leaking.
The histamine thats released causes your eyelids and conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and inside the eyelids. It results in red, swollen, burning, sensitive, and itchy eyes — as well as other symptoms, such as an itchy, stuffy, and runny nose.
Some of the common triggers of eye allergies include outdoor allergens, indoor allergens, and irritants. Outdoor allergens include pollens, trees, grasses, and weeds. Indoor allergens include pet dander, dust, and mold. Irritants include cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, and perfume.
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
Hot, dry weather dries out the eyes and makes eye allergy symptoms worse.
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Is It Pink Eye Or Allergies
It can be difficult to tell the difference between allergic conjunctivitis and pink eye, a conjunctivitis caused by a virus or bacteria. Eye allergy tends to clear secretions and itching, while bacterial infections causing pink eye usually involve yellow or greenish discharge. Most conjunctivitis is viral rather bacterial and resolves well after applying warm compresses. If only one eye is affected, take care to not touch or apply anything to the unaffected eye after touching the eye with the issue.
Never put corticosteroid drops into your eyes without having a comprehensive eye exam. It is very difficult to tell the difference between conjunctivitis caused by allergy or conjunctivitis caused by bacteria corticosteroids can be dangerous with certain bacterial diseases. Eye allergy tends to cause clear secretions and itching, while bacterial infections usually involve yellow or greenish secretions.
If you suspect that you have eye allergies visit a healthcare professional. Preventing and treating eye symptoms may be part of your overall treatment plan.
What Can I Do To Address Eye Swelling
Eye puffiness or swelling is a common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, along with itchy, red eyes, a burning sensation and a clear, watery discharge.
During an allergic reaction, white blood cells attach to protective mast cells in the mucus membranes of the eyes and nasal passages, and fluid builds up. Tiny blood vessels in and around the eyes leak, leading to inflammation and swelling in surrounding tissues and the watery discharge. Rubbing or scratching the eyes only makes it worse and could lead to infection.
Eye swelling often occurs at night. One reason this happens is exposure to allergens in the bedroom primarily dust mites and/or pet dander.
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What Is Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, or hay fever, is the most common type of ocular allergy. As its name suggests, it is related to specific pollens that release spores during specific seasons: May and June and August and September . Itching is a dominant symptom in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis, as well as watery/mucus discharge, burning, and redness. If you are affected by hay fever and other seasonal allergies, you may also experience symptoms involving the nose and throat.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is a year-round allergic condition. These allergic responses are often related to animal dander, dust, or other allergens present in the environment year round. Symptoms are similar to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis but tend to be milder.
How Eye Allergy Is Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis is key to efficient eye allergy treatment. Here’s how it works. Anophthalmologistwill check your eye for infection and signs of eye allergies. A device called aslit-lamp microscopewould determine your eye’s health status. They typically look for swollen blood vessels in your eyes. In addition, they will conduct interviews regarding your family background with allergies.
For more accurate results, ophthalmologists will retrieve a tiny sample of eye tissue. This procedure will determine the severity of the allergy. Ophthalmologists can treat allergy symptoms in the eyes efficiently with these steps.
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White Blood Cell Test
This is not a straight-forward blood test, and doctors dont usually prescribe this test for a normal allergic reaction . Your symptoms have to be more severe for this test to make sense.
Doctors will turn to this exam if your eyes are extremely irritated or red or if theyre swollen. The procedure entails extracting and examining certain eye tissues, especially in the eyes conjunctiva.
Results will show your white-blood cell count, a clue that your immune system is working overtime to repel an allergen.
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.
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What Are The Symptoms
They include redness in the white of your eye or inner eyelid. Other warning signs: itching, tearing, blurred vision, a burning sensation, swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to light. Eye allergies can happen alone or with nasal allergies and an allergic skin condition called eczema. The only way to know for sure if it’s an allergy is to see your doctor.
Symptoms Of Eye Allergies
Many people who complain about eye allergies experience itchiness as an immediate discomfort. However, others do not have itchiness but feel some eye fatigue and a burning sensation that causes them to rub their eyes. Other common allergy symptoms in the eyes include:
- Burning sensation
Symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the complexity of the bodys reactions to the specific allergen. Expansion of blood vessels allows for a greater flow of allergic and inflammatory molecules from the bloodstream into the eye, where the reaction occurs.
If nasal allergies accompany these eye-related symptoms, you are likely to have a stuffy nose, a runny nose and a penchant for sneezing. Other likely reactions are coughing, a headache and a sore or itchy throat.
If you experience a stinging in the eyes, acute dryness or the feeling of a foreign object in your eyes, these could symptoms of dry-eye syndrome.
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When Should You See A Doctor
If allergy avoidance, cold compresses, and over-the-counter eye drops are not helping, you should see an eye care provider. Sometimes, if an allergic reaction is severe, prescription steroid eye drops may be needed.
If the conjunctivitis continues to occur all year with no apparent trigger, you should also make an appointment to be seen. When the conjunctivitis symptoms are continuous, it can be a sign of atopic disease, like eczema or asthma, that needs to be treated differently. In those cases, a patient may need to be followed more closely to avoid other eye problems like cataracts or corneal scarring.
What Can You Do For Eye Allergy Treatment And Relief
The best thing to do is to totally avoid whatever eye allergens and irritants bother your eyes. However, this is hard since these triggers are airborne.
Here are some tips to keep your eyes clear, clean and comfortable:
- Use a preservative-free eye wash or artificial tears to moisten dry, irritated eyes and help wash out allergens and irritants.
- Put a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes and then apply it to your eyelids to reduce itching and swelling.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes. Wash your hands and face after being outside on high pollen and mold days.
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