Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are uncomfortable and inconvenient. Depending on the severity and the trigger of the allergy, symptoms could be experienced year-round, even outside what is considered allergy season. VitalCare Family Practice knows that understanding how your allergies affect the eyes can help you understand how to handle your allergies. Here are 3 ways allergies affect the eyes and how to treat them.
Red Eyes
Red eyes are a common effect of eye allergies. When exposed to allergic triggers such as pet dander or mold, histamine is released which causes the eyes to turn red and tear up. A common treatment for this is eye drops that contain medication to help reduce redness. Allergy shots could be an option if your allergies are severe enough.
Itchy Eyes
Another common symptom of eye allergies is itching. One of the most important things to remember when experiencing this symptom is to resist the urge to rub your eyes. When you rub your eyes this makes things worse by triggering the body to release even more inflammatory chemicals. When you are tempted to rub your eyes, applying a cold compress can help ease the itching as well as taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. Check with your primary care doctor to see what medication is right for you.
Dark Circles
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with eye allergies is the appearance. Dark circles can form under the eyes caused by rubbing them. One strategy to deal with these symptoms would be using a cooled tea bag underneath the eyes. Ask your doctor if perhaps a nasal spray might help as the dark circles could be caused by nasal congestion.
Eye allergies can be difficult to manage. The best defense is a good offense, so knowing your triggers and having a plan on how to deal with them can make things easier to manage.
If you’re having issues with your eyes or eyesight during allergy season, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. We will discuss your options, and provide you with the best plan possible to protect your eye health during allergy season. Request your appointment today!
