If you’re one of the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, you’ve probably had a few or all of the symptoms that go with it! Sneezes, sniffles, runny nose, congestion, and irritated eyes are all common symptoms of seasonal allergies. Many people who suffer from allergies which affect the eyes often seek help to find relief. It’s never fun living with red, burning, itchy, watery eyes with puffy eyelids! But did you know that there are different treatments which can offer relief? Read on, if you’re one of the many people who seek treatment for eye allergies!

What Is an Eye Allergy?

Like other allergies which affect the body, an eye allergy occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts to something. This reaction causes your body to release histamine. The release of the histamine in the eyes causes itching, redness, watering, burning, and swelling of eye tissue. All these symptoms can cause extreme discomfort which usually leads people to seek treatment for eye allergies.

Allergic Conjuntivitis is the medical term for an eye allergy.

What Causes Eye Allergies?

Many people are aware of what their allergy triggers are. Some common allergens are dust, pet dander, and pollens. For people with chronic or seasonal allergies who are unaware of their triggers, a visit to an allergist (a medical doctor who specializes in allergies) is a great start. Knowing what causes your allergies is key! One of the best ways to deal with allergies is to avoid the known allergy triggers. But because living in a bubble isn’t always an option, there needs to be an alternate plan and that plan is managing and treating your allergy symptoms.

Treatment For Eye Allergies

So we’ve already covered that a great start to allergy treatment is to avoid your allergy triggers. For example, If you know that pollens are an allergy trigger and it’s a windy day, when outside wear larger eyeglasses or sunglasses to help prevent pollens from entering your eyes! Also, if your eyes become irritated its best to try to avoid rubbing your eyes as this will only make them feel worse!

If you have ocular syptoms of an allergic reaction, a cool damp compress such as a washcloth over the eyes can often offer some relif!

Eye Drops For the Treatment Of Eye Allergies

There are many different eye drops that are meant to be used in the treatment of eye allergies. Over the counter drops, artificial tears, and medicated drops can all be used as a treatment for eye allergies.

Over The Counter Eye Drops

When choosing an over the counter eye drop a person should be careful. Drops which are marketed for the treatment of eye allergies, specifically the ones which are designed to get the “red” out should be avoided! While these drops do get the red out of the eyes by constricting tiny blood vessels within the conjunctiva of the eye, they don’t always treat all symptoms. They are a short-term answer which when used for a time of more then a few days can actually cause they redness to become worse instead of better.

Artificial Tears

The best type of artificial tear to use in the treatment for eye allergies is an artificial tear which is preservative free! An artificial tear can help rinse and flush out any allergens which have entered the eyes. This will also help sooth the eyes and provide some relief to the discomfort of allergies.

Medicated Eye Drops

If you find that you just don’t get relief from using an artificial tear a visit to an optometrist should be your next step. An optometrist can prescribe a medicated eyedrop which will act as an antihistamine for the eyes. Medicated eye drops will help relieve symptoms as well as get the redness out without any return effect. These drops usually provide long-term relief.

Keeping your eye drops in the fridge so they are cool will also to help soothe your eyes!

If you are an eye allergy sufferer, a visit to our optometrist’s office is probably a good choice for you. You can call our office at (403)255-2826 to book an appointment. Or, conveniently book your next visit online!

Article was written by Trina Vanaalst, Licensed Optician and Contact Lens Practitioner.

What Is The Treatment For Eye Allergies?