Know about the common eye allergies and treatments

If you have teary eyes, itching, redness, or burning in the eyes, it can be because of eye allergies

Know about the common eye allergies and treatments

 

If you have teary eyes, itching, redness, or burning in the eyes, it can be because of eye allergies. Most people ignore this condition and leave red, watery, or itchy eyes untreated. 

 

Information 

Well, you are restless when you feel like having some particles in your eye. If the irritation or redness is not due to external particles, then it could be due to eye allergies.

You may experience the above symptoms alone. It can come with other symptoms like stuffy nose, sneezing, and sniffling. 

 

Symptoms of Eye Allergy

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Transparent, watery discharge

 

 

What causes Eye Allergy?

• Outdoor allergens- For example, pollen from trees, grass& weeds.
• Irritants like perfume, diesel exhaust, and cigarette smoke
• Indoor allergens – For example, dust mites, pet dander & mold.

 

Symptoms of common eye allergies

 

 The primary eye allergy types are

1. Perennial or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
2. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis
3. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
4. Contact allergic conjunctivitis 
5. Giant papillary conjunctivitis

 

Seasonal & Perennial 

 

Also known as SAC is one of the common types of eye allergies. The patient notice symptoms in summer or fall. It depends on the plant pollens present in the air. Some of the common symptoms are

 

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Watery discharge

 

Individuals suffering from SAC may witness long-term dark circles under their eyes. They may face issues with bright light or get puffy eyes.

You may experience sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion followed by hay fever. It can also result in other seasonal allergies.

The itching in the eyes can be bothersome in some patients. It may force them to rub their eyes often. Frequent rubbing of the eyes can make the condition even worse causing an infection.

 

• PAC or Perennial 

This type of eye allergy occurs throughout the year. The symptoms are the same as SAC but are mild. These allergies arise because of mold, dust mites, and pet dander. It can also cause due by other household allergens excluding pollen.

 

• Vernal 

Vernal is a serious form of eye allergy as compared to PAC or SAC. It can go all around the year. The symptoms turn worse with seasons. This allergy mainly occurs in young men and boys. The symptoms are

Increased tearing and thick mucus production

• Itching
• The notion of having some foreign particle stuck in the eye
• Dislike to light

 

Note: If you do not treat this allergy on time, it can harm vision.

 

• Atopic 

This eye allergy is common in older patients. Symptoms of this allergy continue year-round. The symptoms are:

 

• Burning
• Severe itching
• Redness
• Thick mucus production in excess 
• Eyelids get sticky after sleep

 

When not treated on time, this eye allergy can damage the cornea. It can also harm the thin membrane present in the cornea.

 

• Contact allergic 

This eye allergy can occur as a result of irritation caused due to use of contact lenses. It can also occur due to the proteins released from tears that stick to the lens surface. The Symptoms are:

 

• Itching
• Lens discomfort
• Redness
• Mucous discharge

 

• Giant papillary 

 

This type of eye disease can occur with the use of contact lenses. It is a severe form of allergic conjunctivitis. Here, the papules or fluid sacs shape in the upper lining of your inner eyelid. Symptoms are:

 

• Puffiness
• Mucous discharge
• Itching
• Tearing
• External body sensation
• Blurred vision
• Low tolerance to using contact lenses

 

Eye Allergy Management & Treatment

 

Management 

 

1-Avoid Allergens 

The best way to manage seasonal/perennial eye diseases is to avoid contact with allergens that can lead to symptoms.

2-Avoid outdoor exposure

Try to stay indoors for most hours when pollens are at their strongest. This is during the hours of midmorning & early evening. It is when pollens are around with the blowing wind.

Do not use window fans. The fans can attract molds and pollens in the house. Use sunglasses or glasses while going outdoors to avoid pollen entering your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes. It will irritate and can make the condition worse.

 

Treatments for Eye Allergy

 

Prescription eyedrops 

 

These eye drops are effective to treat eye allergies. You can get long-term and short-term relief from eye symptoms using prescription eye drops. Consult an allergist or eye specialist for proper care and the correct dose.

 

1-Vigamox eye drop

Vigamox eye drops are an antibiotic effective in treating eye infections caused by bacteria. It offers relief against symptoms of eye infection. It works by diminishing the growth of infection-producing microorganisms.

 

2-Azelast Eye Drop

Azelast eye drops are effective antihistaminic medication. It helps treat the eye infection that arise due to different allergies. The medication helps with abrupt allergic reactions as well as short-term allergic eye reactions.

 

3-Albucid Eye Drop

Albucid Eye drop is an antibiotic that helps treat eye infections caused due to bacteria. It combats eye infections by terminating bacterial growth. It helps to treat the root cause of the infection.