Issue 16.15
Eye allergies — red, itchy, watery eyes that are bothered by the same irritants that cause sneezing and a runny nose among seasonal allergy sufferers — are very common. This spring may be extra irritating for allergy sufferers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). After a long, wet and cold winter, spring’s pollen counts may actually be higher than usual. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that 50 million people in the US have seasonal allergies, and its prevalence is increasing — affecting up to 30 percent of adults and up to 40 percent of children. In addition to having symptoms of sneezing, congestion and a runny nose, most of these allergy sufferers also experience itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes and swollen eyelids. And unfortunately, in some cases, eye allergies can play a role in conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections.
What Causes Eye Allergies?:
Normally harmless substances that cause problems for individuals who are predisposed to allergic reactions are called allergens. The most common airborne allergens that may cause eye allergies are mold, dust, pollen and pet dander. Eye allergies also can be caused by reactions to certain cosmetics. Typically food allergies and allergic reactions to bee stings or other insect bites do not affect the eyes as severely as airborne allergens do.
Eye Allergy Relief
To get relief from your eye allergies and itchy, watery eyes, you can take a few approaches:
Avoiding allergens. As the old saying goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (By the way, Benjamin Franklin said that — the same guy who invented bifocals!) The best approach to controlling your eye allergy symptoms is to do everything you can to limit your exposure to common allergens you are sensitive to.
Ten Springtime Eye Allergy Tips
1. Get an early start. See your eye doctor before allergy symptoms start this year to learn how to reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
2. Try to avoid what’s causing your eye allergies, For example, on days when the pollen count is high, stay indoors as much as possible.
3. Don’t rub your eyes if they itch! This will release more histamine and make your eye allergy symptoms worse.
4. Use plenty of artificial tears to wash airborne allergens from your eyes. Ask your eye doctor for the best brands.
5. Cut down your contact lens wear or switch to daily disposable lenses to reduce the build-up of allergens on your lenses.
6. Consider purchasing an air purifier for your home, and purchase an allergen-trapping filter for your furnace.
7. Wear sunglasses or eyeglasses whenever possible to protect your eyes from pollen.
8. Keep windows at home and in the car closed so pollen doesn’t blow in.
9. Remove your jacket, hat and shoes as soon as you enter the house to avoid tracking pollen inside.
10. Shower before bed to remove pollen from skin and hair.
Over-the counter eye drops. Because eye allergies are so common, there are a number of brands of non-prescription eye drops available that are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness and watery eyes caused by allergies.
If your eye allergy symptoms are relatively mild, over-the-counter eye drops for allergy relief may work very well for you and may be less expensive than prescription eye drops or other medication. Ask your eye doctor to recommend a brand to try.
Prescription medications. If your allergy symptoms are relatively severe or over-the-counter eye drops are ineffective at providing relief, you may need your eye doctor to prescribe a stronger medication.
If you think you have eye allergies, and aren’t sure where to turn, call your eye doctor or Richens Eye Center 435.986.2020 to get relief from your red, itchy, watery eyes.