Eyes Allergy

Allergic conjunctivitis refers to eye allergies that afflict millions of people world wide. The common and usually unmistakable symptoms include itching, reddening, tearing up, or a burning sensation. Eye allergies can occur alone or accompanying nasal or skin allergies, in response to the same allergens.

Like all allergies, allergic conjunctivitis occurs in response to exposure to a particular substance, called an allergen. This allergen causes the body to become overly sensitive, and the immune system to overreact. The symptoms of an allergy are then actually caused by the immune system itself. In the eyes, this translates to itching, watering, or even burning sensations.

There are many common allergens both outdoors and indoors. Outdoors, the prime culprits are various pollens from grasses, weeds, and trees. These outdoor allergens are commonly associated with seasonal eye allergies, since there are certain seasons when the plants in a region begin to produce an excess of pollen.

Indoors, on the other hand, the main suspected allergens are dust mites, pet dander and hair, and molds. In contrast to outdoor allergens, these indoor allergens are usually present all year round, and are thus involved with chronic eye allergies. People who suffer from chronic eye irritation would thus be well advised to visit an allergist to help determine whether they are suffering an allergy to one of these indoor allergens.

A small consolation for those suffering from eye allergies: they cannot harm eyesight. Allergies may be painful and itchy, but they are not actually very dangerous, with respect to being potentially harmful to the proper functioning of the eyes.

Treatment of eye allergies, much like allergy treatment in general, focuses on two things: avoidance of the allergen and relief of the symptoms.

For the case of allergy to an outdoor allergen like pollen, avoidance becomes easy because outdoor allergens are usually only present seasonally. It then becomes only a seasonal problem to avoid exposure to the particular allergen. Wearing shades or sun glasses would help reduce the possibility of harmful pollen getting into the eyes as well as, of course, staying indoors when pollen counts are high.

Indoors, keeping a clean home is the basic requirement. Washing hands after handling pets and getting rid of molds and dust would eliminate the most common indoor eye allergens.

However, since most eye allergens are airborne, avoidance might not be completely possible. In this case, using anti-allergy medication might be necessary. There are over the counter options available; if these do not work either, consulting a doctor would become necessary.