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Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, is a very common complaint. While not particularly dangerous, the effects of eye allergies can have an impact on sufferers’ quality of life. At its core, an eye allergy is the body’s immune system overreacting to irritants in the environment around it. Things that might otherwise have been easily ignored or dispatched are fought off in ways that result in itchy, irritating symptoms. Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio, TX wants you to remain in the best eye health that you can. It is important to know the triggers, symptoms, and treatments for eye allergies.

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Triggers for Eye Allergies

Triggers for eye allergies can be found in most environments. Outdoors, pollen is the biggest culprit. It comes from most plants and is more abundant during certain parts of the year. Indoors, there are more triggers that cause itchy eyes. Dust, dust mites, pet dander, and mold among the most common eye allergy triggers. On top of these regularly occurring materials, more general irritants like cigarettes, perfumes, and car exhaust can also exacerbate existing eye allergies.

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies come with a number of symptoms, all of which can have varying degrees of intensity. Itchy watery eyes or eye swelling are very common. Eyes might also be red or pink and might have a clear, watery discharge or swollen upper eyelid. These symptoms can show up in one or both eyes when eye allergies strike.

Managing Eye Allergies

Your eye doctor or optometrist can help you manage your eye allergies. Your eye doctor will also do an eye exam and determine if you need steroid eye drops or any other prescription medications. While allergy drops make a big difference, there are also many home remedies you can use. Keep your house clean with good air quality in order to keep allergens at bay. If you touch an animal, wash your hands afterward. During times with heavy pollen, keep your windows closed. There are many over the counter remedies you can use as well, such as eye drops for kids or eye allergies drops. These should reduce the number of triggers for eye allergies in your life, but if they don’t work, your doctor might give you allergy shots for extra protection.

Dealing with eye allergies can be stressful and annoying. If you're looking for help learning how to treat swollen eye or other allergy symptoms, come see us at Vision Source Castle Hills!