Eye Allergy – When to See a Doctor?

Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes to see if you have an allergic conjunctivitis or infection so that suitable therapy can be given. They can typically tell whether you have allergic conjunctivitis and refer you to visit an allergy clinic. They'll look for symptoms of eye allergies like enlarged blood vessels on the eye surface with a slit-lamp microscope.

Your ophthalmologist may examine your eye for a specific white blood cell type. If your allergies are severe or if it is unclear whether you have allergic conjunctivitis, they will do so. They'll gently scrape a small portion of the conjunctiva and look for white blood cells there.

How are allergies to the eyes treated?

The most effective way to treat eye allergies is to prevent or restrict contact with the allergen. However, you must be aware of what to avoid. An allergy doctor can use a skin or blood test to assist identify the specific allergy if necessary (s).

• Keeping allergies at bay

If you have a pollen allergy, stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. In the mid-morning and early-evening, pollen concentrations are normally at their peak. Also, avoid being outside when pollen is being blown around by the wind. When you're outside, wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses might help keep pollen out of your eyes.

Close your windows and turn on the air conditioning in your car and at home. While inside, this will help reduce your contact to pollen and additional irritants. Use window fans sparingly since they bring pollen and other irritants inside. Keep your air conditioning systems clean to avoid allergens cycling within.

If mold triggers allergy for you, keep in mind that mold can grow in high humidity. Maintain a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent in your home. Frequently clean high-humidity areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. In damp or moist areas, such as a basement, consider utilizing a dehumidifier.

If you have allergic conjunctivitis and live in a dusty environment, attempt to maintain dust mites away from the skin. Pay great attention to your sleeping quarters. Cover your bedding, especially your pillows, with allergen-reducing coverings. Wash your bedding in hot water on a regular basis.

To trap allergies, use a rag or damp mop in place of a broom or dry dust mop when cleaning floors.

If allergies are a problem for you, try to keep pets out of the house more. Allowing a pet into your bedroom is especially vital if you want to sleep in an allergen-free environment. Instead of carpeting, which retains pet dander, consider hardwood or tile floors. After touching a pet, always wash your hands and any clothing you've worn around them.

Finally, avoid rubbing your eyes because this irritates them even more.

Treating Eye Allergy

• Artificial Tears

Artificial tear drops help to temporarily ease eye allergies by washing irritants out of the eye. They also add moisture to dry, irritated eyes, which helps them feel better.

• Decongestants

Allergies cause redness in the eyes, which can be reduced using decongestants. They come in the form of over-the-counter eye drops. If your decongestant eye drops include an antihistamine, they can also help with irritation.

• Antihistamines

Antihistamines taken orally may help relieve itchy eyes to some extent. They can, however, dry up the eyes and exacerbate allergy symptoms.

• Stabilizers for mast cells and antihistamines

Eye drops that contain both an antihistamine and a mast-cell stabilizer can help avoid eye allergies. To reduce itching, redness, tearing and burning, apply them once or twice a day.

• Shots of immunotherapy

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be an option if allergen avoidance, eye drops, prescription cannot help control signs. Immunotherapy involves receiving shots containing trace quantities of the allergen.

Your allergy doctor at an allergy clinic assists you in determining which treatments are most appropriate for you. Call us at OKOA for more help on allergy treatment of any kind.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.