Allergies

Seasonal allergies like hay fever are well known for irritating your eyes, but you can also develop an eye allergy. When allergy symptoms target your eyes, you can turn to the team at Vistasite Eye Care in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York. They have helped many patients get quick relief from annoying eye allergy symptoms. Don’t wait to seek treatment — call the New York City office or book an appointment online today.

What causes eye allergies?

Eye allergies begin when an overactive immune system makes a mistake and identifies a safe substance as something that will harm your eyes.

Every time your eyes encounter that substance (allergen), it triggers a reaction. In a misguided effort to protect you from the allergen, your immune system releases substances that cause your symptoms.

Eye allergies also called allergic conjunctivitis and ocular allergies, are usually caused by:

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander
• Medications, such as antibiotics and anesthetics
• Proteins that build up on contact lenses

Though not common, you could also inherit a long-lasting allergic condition, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, that affects people with a skin condition called atopic dermatitis.

What are the symptoms of eye allergies?

Eye allergies only affect your eyes, causing:

• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Swelling around your eyes
• Gritty sensation (like something is in your eye)

Other allergies affect your nose and cause a variety of problems, like sneezing and flu-like symptoms.

How are eye allergies treated?

Your Vistasite Eye Care optometrist recommends treatment based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Your personalized treatment may include:

Identifying and avoiding allergens

The first step in treating an allergy involves identifying your allergens and creating a plan (if possible) to avoid them.

While it’s impossible to completely avoid airborne allergens, you can make changes that minimize your exposure. For example, you can keep your windows closed and vacuum carpets frequently.

Medications

Eye drops and oral medications can relieve symptoms, reducing itchiness, inflammation, and redness. Using certain medications for a long time may lead to dry eyes or other side effects. If that happens, or if you have severe eye allergies, you may want to get allergy shots.

Allergy shots

Before getting an allergy shot, you have a skin prick test to identify the specific allergen causing your eye problems. Once the allergen is determined, you can get shots containing a tiny amount of the same substance.

Getting regular allergy shots desensitizes your immune system. As a result, it gradually stops reacting to the allergen, and your symptoms significantly improve or disappear.

You can get relief from eye allergies. To schedule an appointment, call Vistasite Eye Care or book an appointment online today.