Justice Vision Clinic

Spring Symptoms: 7 Ways to Soothe Eye Allergies

Allergens are usually harmless substances, but they are bad news for allergic people who are predisposed to getting allergic reactions. The common allergens that affect people of all ages and cause eye allergies include mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust.

In some cases, eye allergies can result from negative reactions to foods, medications, or cosmetics. Spring is a time when allergens are prevalent. It is helpful to know the ways to soothe eye allergies.

Keep Away Allergens

The best way to control allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens. Try as much as possible to limit exposure to the allergens that cause your eye symptoms. If you know that you are allergic to pollen, remain indoors during days with a high pollen count.

It also helps keep the air conditioner running to filter the indoor air. Install high-quality filters that help trap the common allergens and replace them frequently.

Avoid Wearing Contacts

If you suffer from eye allergies, wearing contact lenses will worsen the symptoms. Avoid wearing the lenses and use eyeglasses instead. Contacts attract debris and airborne allergens and accumulate them on the lenses.

If you must wear contacts, choose daily disposables. Wearing glasses can help protect your eyes from airborne allergens. If you are sensitive to light, choose photochromatic lenses.

Using Eye Drops

There are many types of eye drops in the market. The eye drops are formulated to relieve symptoms of eye allergies such as itchiness and redness. Non-prescription eye drops are common mainly due to their lower cost.

They are ideal for those with mild allergies. If your allergies are severe, you may need to use prescription eye drops. Your eye doctor can recommend the best eye drops for you, depending on your symptoms.

Antihistamine Medication

There are prescription medications that can help soothe eye allergies. People use the medication when eye drops fail to provide relief. During an allergic reaction, the body responds by releasing histamine.

This substance causes blood vessels to dilate, leaving the blood vessel walls abnormally permeable. Antihistamine medications block the attachment of the histamine to body cells, helping reduce allergic reactions.

Using Decongestants

Decongestants work by reducing the size of the blood vessels on the white of the eye (sclera). This helps relieve red eyes, a common symptom of eye allergies. Common decongestants include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. The doctor can recommend combination drugs that contain a decongestant and an antihistamine.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers are medications that can change the cells that contain histamine in body tissues. These include tissues in the eye conjunctiva and the eyelids. They help prevent the release of histamine and other mediators that cause allergic reactions.

Using Immunotherapy

If prescription medications fail to work, the doctor can suggest immunotherapy. This treatment involves the injection of small amounts of allergens. The allergens help in building immunity, thus reducing allergic reactions. It is vital to talk to an eye specialist about your eye allergies.

For more ways to soothe eye allergies, visit Justice Vision Clinic at our office in Duluth, Georgia. You can call (770) 626-7883 today to schedule an appointment.