Solutions to Eye Allergies

Just as allergens affect other parts of your body, they can affect your eyes as well. You may experience redness in the eyes, itching or teary eyes if you have an eye allergy, also known as ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis. However, if you spot any of these signs, don’t worry. Eye allergies are manageable and here are some solutions to get rid of them.

Symptoms of Eye Allergy

Many people suffer from eye allergies and almost one in five Americans has an eye allergy. The most common symptom of an eye allergy is itching while others include tearing, redness, mild swelling around the eyes, burning sensation, blurriness, and mucous production.

Causes of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, like any other allergy, develop as a sign of immune system sensitivity and as an overreaction to an allergen in the environment which otherwise causes no reaction in other people. The allergen, upon contact with the antibodies in the mast cells of the eyes, releases chemicals that cause the eyes to become itchy, red, watery and swelled.

Solutions for Eye Allergy

While eye allergies can subside with the right medication in a few days and don’t cause serious harm, such as loss of eye sight, it may still hamper normal productivity. An eye allergy may also be due to an infection and not caused by an allergen in which case, it can threaten the eyesight. If the allergy persists, it is wise to see your doctor or allergist who may be able to diagnose the problem correctly. However, if you do know that your allergy is triggered due to an allergen, here are some solutions for it:

Wash Your Face

The first thing to do when you experience redness or itchiness in your eyes is to wash your face. It will help clear any allergens that may have stuck to the eyelashes or skin.

Use Allergy Drops

To soothe itchy eyes, you can try using over the counter allergy drops that are also recommended for swollen eyes.

Rinse the Eyes

Rinsing your eyes with water can help as it allows you to get rid of any allergens from the inside of the eyes and flushes them out.

Use a Cold Compress

If your eyes itch and feel swollen, apply a cold compress around your eyes as it can prove to be relaxing and helpful in reducing the irritation.
If you have a common seasonal eye allergy, these solutions may be able to help reduce the irritation in your eyes. However, if your eye allergy is due to an infection, you should see an allergist first thing and acquire the right medication and treatment for it. Itchy, swollen eyes can hamper your daily productivity and the infection can also spread.

To book an appointment with a NYC allergist, contact us today at 212-319-5282.