Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are a common eye condition.  The tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and outside of the eyeball is called the conjunctiva. This tissue keeps your eyelid and eyeball moist.  Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed.  With eye allergies, you usually see redness and itching in both eyes, instead of in just one eye.

What Causes Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens that get into your eyes.  Examples of these are pollen, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander.  Eye allergies are not contagious. They cannot be spread to another person.

Irritants like dirt, smoke, chemicals, and chlorine can also cause swelling and redness of the eyes.  This reaction is not an allergic reaction.  Viruses and bacteria can also cause the same irritation of the eyes.  This reaction is also not an allergic reaction.  Some medications and cosmetics can also cause eye allergy symptoms.

The eyes are an easy target for allergens and irritants because they are exposed and sensitive.  The body responds to these allergens by releasing chemicals, including histamines, which produce the inflammation.

Pink eye is something different.  It is a viral or bacterial infection of the eye tissue. It’s called infectious conjunctivitis.  It usually starts in one eye and can spread easily to the other eye within a day or two.  This eye condition is easily transmitted from person to person.  But it is usually not a serious health risk if diagnosed right away.

What Are the Signs of Eye Allergies?

The common symptoms of eye allergies are:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning feeling
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Feeling like there is dirt or grit in your eyes

You may also have a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, coughing or a sinus headache.  Many also find that their vision is briefly blurred or that they feel distracted, unproductive or tired.

What Is the Treatment for Eye Allergies?

The first and best option is to avoid contact with substances that trigger your eye allergies.  If that is not enough, consider using:

• Saline eye drops to wash away the allergens
• Over-the-counter medicine or eye drops (short-term use)
• Prescription treatments from your doctor
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) from your doctor

Eye allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed or after the allergy is treated.  Talk to our doctors about what is best for you.

How Can I Prevent Eye Allergies?

The first and best option is to avoid contact with things that trigger your eye allergies. Other tips are:

• Don’t touch or rub your eye(s).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce exposure to allergens.
• Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
• Use allergen covers (encasements) for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and consider using them for box springs.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander allergen in your bedding.
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to help keep pollen from getting into your eyes.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen and mold seasons.  Use the air conditioner in your car and home.  Also, think about using a HEPA filter.