They've been called the window to the soul, but if you suffer from spring allergies you probably have less poetic words to describe your itchy, watery, red eyes.
Most of the 50 million Americans who have nasal allergies also suffer from eye allergies. Itching is the main symptom. Other symptoms may include redness, tearing, burning, blurred vision, swelling or redness of the inner eyelids, sensitivity to light and a feeling that something is in the eye.
What causes eye allergies?
Eye allergies can occur alone or along with nasal allergy symptoms like a runny, itchy nose, nasal congestion or headache. They start when the body's immune system overreacts to something that is ordinarily harmless. When the allergen comes in contact with the eye, there's a reaction. The allergen causes cells in the eye to release histamine and other substances that cause blood vessels in the eyes to swell and to become itchy, red and watery.
If you have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye allergy, then grass, tree and weed pollens may trigger your eye allergies. Pet hair, dust mites and molds can also trigger symptoms for some people during the year.
Cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust may inflame your eyes, but they're not allergens. They act as irritants, making your allergy symptoms worse.
Eye allergies can't hurt your eyes, but they can be very annoying and uncomfortable.
How can I treat my eye allergies?
Prevention or avoidance of allergens that trigger symptoms should be your first step in managing eye allergies. Here are some avoidance tips:
- Stay indoors as much as you can when pollen counts are at their peak, usually during the mid-morning and early evening, and when wind is blowing pollens around.
- Keep windows closed, and use air conditioning in your car and home.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize pollen getting into your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can only make things worse.
- Take some "allergy-proofing" steps around the home. Encase bedding, especially pillows, in "dust-mite proof" covers. Keep humidity in your home low (between 30 percent and 50 percent). Clean floors with a damp rag or mop rather than dry dusting or sweeping.
- If you're allergic to your pet, then keep Fluffy out of your bedroom or out of your house as much as possible.
- Reduce indoor molds caused by high humidity by cleaning bathrooms, kitchens and basements regularly. A dehumidifier can be used to reduce molds, especially in damp, humid places like basements.
Yes, but my eyes still itch!
- Many of the allergens that trigger eye allergies are airborne, so you can't always avoid them. Discuss your eye allergy symptoms with an allergy specialist or your doctor to find the best way to treat your eye allergies.
- Treatment options include cold compresses, tear substitutes, and eye drops and oral medications called antihistamines, which are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription.
- OTC eye drops and oral medications are commonly used for short-term relief of some eye allergy symptoms. However, these drops and medications may not relieve all symptoms, and prolonged use of some OTC eye drops may actually make symptoms worse.
- Newer prescription eye drops provide both short- and long-term targeted relief of eye allergy symptoms. They can be used together with an oral antihistamine that you can take to reduce the itching, redness and swelling of eye allergies and also manage nasal allergy symptoms.
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External Source
 | The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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