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What To Do For Severe Eye Allergies

What Can Be Done To Relieve Eye Allergies

How to manage Eye Allergies? – Dr. Sriram Ramalingam

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.

Amp Up The Compress With Calendula Or Chamomile For Swollen Red Eyes

Both calendula and chamomile have inflammatory properties which can soothe irritated eyes. Up the power of your eye compress with these. Boil a cup of distilled water and steep 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile or calendula flowers in it. Strain the solution and allow it to cool. Now soak a clean washcloth in it, wring out the excess water, and apply it over closed eyelids for about 20 minutes.2 However, do keep in mind that some people are allergic to chamomile or calendula, so do a patch test before using this remedy.

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.

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Struggling With Eye Allergies Try These Tips

By: EyeCare Specialties of Colorado|Published on: Feb 23, 2021|Categories: Eye Care, Eye Health, Featured|

Are you dealing with red, puffy, burning, or itchy eyes? Sounds like someone has eye allergies. If you struggle with these symptoms, learn what you can do about them.

Most eye allergy symptoms are uncomfortable. But some go beyond that to affect your vision, and eye allergies can even lead to eye infections like pink eye .

Here are some of those tell-tale symptoms you might experience with eye allergies:

  • Itching

Treatment For These Types

Eye Allergies
  • Environmental controls for environmental allergens at home, school, or in the work environment identified as triggering symptoms.
  • When environmental allergen controls prove inadequate in the management of symptoms, the following medications may help:
  • Topical antihistamines, decongestants and mast cell stabilizers or dual acting mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines are helpful, but they may take some time for optimal effect.
  • In severe cases, a burst of oral corticosteroids or frequent application of topical corticosteroids is needed to relieve unbearable symptoms. Prolonged use of corticosteroids should be avoided because of their association with the complication of glaucoma and/or cataracts.
  • Topical cyclosporine A may be useful in severe cases.
  • Complication of corneal ulceration may require a combination of antibiotics, corticosteroid ointment and a gauze pressure dressing over the eye.
  • Immunotherapy should be considered to lower your sensitivity to known allergens.

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How Do I Tell The Difference Between Eye Allergies And Pink Eye In My Child

Eye allergies generally do not produce the pus and crusts that are the primary symptoms of pink eye . Eye allergies usually affect both eyes at the same time, whereas conjunctivitis often starts in one eye before moving to the other.

If your child has allergies, symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or stuffiness may also be present.

If you’re in doubt, reach out to your child’s doctor. While allergies can usually be managed at home, conjunctivitis is very contagious and needs to be treated by a healthcare provider.

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 .

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Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies: Triggers And Treatments

  • Puffy eyes are often due to allergic reactions and can be triggered by such irritants as pet dander, dust mites and mold.
  • Puffy eyes are a result of three different forms of allergies: airborne, contact and ingested.
  • Several over the counter and prescription treatments are available to treat the causes and symptoms of puffy eyes.

The eyes are typically where the signs of allergies are most commonly seen, including swollen and watery eyes, redness and itching. A variety of treatments exist, including home remedies, OTC and prescription medications.

The treatment you choose will often depend on the severity of the allergic reaction and the root cause.

Contents

How To Prevent Eye Allergy Symptoms

Immunotherapy for Severe Allergies with Allergist/Immunologist Dr. Ali Shakouri

Avoid allergy triggers by implementing the following suggestions:

  • Use air conditioning. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
  • Wear glasses or sunglasses. This will help to protect your eyes from pollen.
  • Limit dust accumulation. Use mite-proof bedding covers and wash your bedding frequently, using hot water . Clean shelves with a wet rag and floors with a mop, instead of dry-dusting or sweeping.
  • Control mold. Use a dehumidifier to control mold growth. Treat visible mold with detergent and a five percent bleach solution.
  • Wash your hands. This will help to eliminate any allergens you may have come in contact with, such as when touching a pet or cutting the grass.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes. This can further irritate your eyes.

While allergies are a common complaint, there is no need to continue suffering!

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Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies

By Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.

Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?

Home remedies for allergies including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below youll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.

Allergy Medication Can Help

Some medications that you take to treat hay fever, nasal allergies, runny nose, and throat and sinus problems may also help control eye allergies. Antihistamines and decongestants are available in capsule, pill, and liquid forms. Potential side effects of these medications may include dry eyes and drowsiness. Some kinds of decongestants may make you jittery or dizzy. If you have high blood pressure, certain ingredients in allergy medication may not be safe for you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medications are safe for you.

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Symptoms Of Eye Allergies

Young children may not be able to tell you about their symptoms, but their behavior may suggest that they are experiencing an allergic reaction. For example, they will rub their eyes or cry.

Even if your child cannot tell you what is wrong, many of the symptoms of eye allergies are easy to spot.

Common symptoms of eye allergies in kids include:

  • Redness around the eye and in the eyeball
  • Itchiness or burning that may cause the child to rub their eyes
  • Watery eyes

Prescription Eye Drops And Medications

Eye Allergy (Allergic Conjunctivitis)

Prescription eye drops and medications also are used to treat eye moderate to severe allergies, and provide both short- and long- term relief.

There are many different types of prescription eye drops:

Antihistamine eye drops reduce itching, redness and swelling. These drops provide fast relief, but need to be used frequently throughout the day, as the effects tend to last only a few hours.

Mast cell stabilizer eye drops prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. These drops must be used before allergen exposure to prevent itching.

Antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer eye drops are a combination eye drop that treats and prevents eye allergies. These drops are inserted twice a day for fast, long-lasting relief of itching, burning, tearing, and redness.

NSAID eye drops relieve itching, but may cause burning or stinging when inserted, and need to be used four times a day.

Corticosteroid eye drops treat chronic and severe itching, redness and swelling. These steroidal eye drops should only be used long term under a doctors supervision as they can cause an increased risk of infection, glaucoma and cataracts.

Oral antihistamines

If eye drops are not sufficient in treating your allergies, your eye doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine for further relief.

Allergy shots

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When To See A Doctor

Since there are many potential causes of dry eye, a person should talk to their 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 responds to light
  • how the mechanics are working
  • tear production

Use An External Eyewash With Turmeric

Curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells.4 Animal studies have found that this compound can suppress eye allergies.5

Try this simple ayurvedic remedy for your eye allergy: Mix in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder into ¼ cup of distilled clean warm water and use the solution to clean eyelid and your outer eye. Add this flavorsome spice to soups and curries or have a cup of turmeric tea to fight inflammation from within.6

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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.

When To Get Medical Care

What Causes Eye Allergies

Your symptoms should improve on their own if you know what youâre allergic to and you can avoid it.

But if you donât know what causes your allergy, skin testing by an allergist can help figure it out.

If you still donât know or you canât avoid the cause, a doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery — an ophthalmologist or optometrist — may be able to help.

If you have seasonal allergies, make an appointment with them prior to your allergic season. This will let you start treatment before your symptoms kick in.

If you have perennial allergies, routine appointments may be helpful. Occasional flare-ups may mean you need to see them more often. It might also help to get a consultation with an allergist.

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The Difference Between Eye Allergies And Pink Eye

Eye allergies are caused by a reaction to allergens in the air while pink eye is most often caused by bacterial infections and viruses. Allergies usually cause irritation in both eyes while pink eye often occurs in one and then spreads to the other. Unlike pink eye, eye allergies are not contagious and will last only as long as youre exposed to the allergen.

How Is Allergic Conjunctivitis Treated

Oftentimes with allergy symptoms, the best course of action is to simply avoid whatever triggers an allergic reactionfor instance, if you’re allergic to cats and you know your friend has a cat, suggest a meeting place outside their home so you don’t risk having an allergic reaction to their pet. The same goes for allergic conjunctivitis, Kanwaljit Brar, MD, an allergist at NYU Langone, tells Health. “The best approach is to be preventative,” Dr. Brar explains.

Experts advise making an appointment with an allergist if you find that you frequently suffer from allergic conjunctivitisif your eyelids start swelling and your eyes start watering at seemingly random timesand you have no clue what your allergen is. “If you see an allergist, you can identify what you’re allergic to we can predict when patients’ symptoms will ,” says Dr. Brar.

From there, an allergist can help you make simple lifestyle changes that eliminate allergic conjunctivitis and other allergy-related issues, says Dr. Hajee. So if your allergist tests you and determines that pollen is likely what’s triggering your symptoms, they can advise you to stay inside during certain times of the day when the pollen count in your region is highest, says Dr. Brar. By tweaking your routine by, say, going on your outdoor run at a different time when the pollen count is typically lower, your symptoms might lessen without the use of medication.

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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.

Allergies Or Infection Heres How You Can Tell

What Causes Eye Allergies, and How Are They Treated?

Whether ragweed or pet dander is the culprit, allergens affect the eyes in the same way.

Eye infections can come from many causes virus, bacteria, parasite or fungus and the symptoms vary with the cause, but in general, infections have a longer list of symptoms when compared to allergies.

The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, its likely more than allergies.

To get the right treatment, youll need your eye doctor to find out whats behind your eye problem. Eye allergies arent contagious but they can be miserable to deal with. If its an infection, you run the risk of damaging your eye and/or spreading it to others.

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What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis

Red, burning, itching, tearing eyes are the main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The condition affects millions of Americans. More than one-third of children suffer from allergies. About 30% to 50% of children who have one parent with allergies will develop allergies. About 60% to 80% of children who have two allergic parents will develop allergies. Sufferers can feel downright miserable. Allergies cause fatigue, difficulties performing everyday activities, and may interfere with sleep. The condition may occur year round or seasonally. People who suffer may have dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners. There are different types of allergic conjunctivitis and different triggers. Effective treatment depends on the type the patient has as well as identifying their unique triggers.

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