NeoVision offers Eye Allergy Treatments
Allergies related to pollen are most common, particularly when the weather is warm and dry. Eye allergies can also be related to pet dander, cosmetics, daily chemicals and even the foods you eat.
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction in your eyes, nose and throat. Exposure to an airborne irritant triggers the release of histamine, a body chemical. The release of this substance causes inflammation and fluid production in the lining of the nasal passage, the sinuses and the eyelids and surface layer of the eyes. If you have allergies, you sneeze frequently; your nose runs and your eyes are red, itchy and watery. If you rub your eyes, it makes them worse. Irritation of the eyes and nose can be soothed by various antihistamine and decongestant drops and sprays.
About Eye Allergies
Common symptoms are redness, itching, tearing, burning, stinging, and watery discharge. A common term is allergic conjunctivitis for these symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis can be classified as:
- Hay Fever Conjunctivitis: a seasonal allergy that occurs when airborne allergens such as ragweed come in contact with the eyes and cause redness, watering, and itching.
- Hay Fever Conjunctivitis: a seasonal allergy that occurs when airborne allergens such as ragweed come in contact with the eyes and cause redness, watering, and itching.
- Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: also a seasonal allergy that affects outside edges of the cornea and is most often seen in children.
- Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: also a seasonal allergy that affects outside edges of the cornea and is most often seen in children.
- Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis: a chronic, ongoing allergic response affecting the outside edges of the cornea in older patients. If untreated, it can cause scarring in the eyes
- Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis: a chronic, ongoing allergic response affecting the outside edges of the cornea in older patients. If untreated, it can cause scarring in the eyes.
Treatment for Eye Allergies
Eye drops can effectively reduce these symptoms, as can rain and cooler weather, which decreases the amount of pollen in the air. Many allergy symptoms are temporary and can be eliminated once contact with the offending allergen (cosmetic or detergent etc.) has ended. An increasing number of eye allergy cases are related to medications and contact lens wear. Also, animal hair and certain cosmetics, such as mascara, face creams, and eyebrow pencil can cause allergies that affect the eye. Touching or rubbing eyes after handling nail polish, soaps, or chemicals may cause an allergic reaction. Some people have a sensitivity to lip-gloss and eye makeup.
If you experience continued irritations from your contact lenses, you may need to change your lens prescription and for the short term stop wearing the lenses to allow your eyes to heal. Regular lens cleaning habits may be necessary to keep airborne and chemical allergens from entering your eyes when the contacts are handled.
If you have any with eye allergies, schedule an appointment with NeoVision Eye Center at 510-431-5511 (Union City).
