Allergic Conjunctivitis
WHAT IS AN EYE ALLERGY?
Common allergens known to trigger allergic symptoms may include grass, tree and weed pollens, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, feathers, insect stings and drugs.

• Itching
• Redness
• Puffy lids
• Watery eyes

WHAT ARE SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND PERENNIAL ALLERGIES?
As the phrase implies, seasonal allergies occur only at certain times of the year and are usually triggered by the appearance of pollen from grasses, trees, and flowering plants. Go to or http://www.oklahomaallergy.com/ for daily updates on pollen, mold & trees.

Perennial allergies are always there, with no increase at a special time of year. Dust mites, mold, pet hair, and pet dander are examples of allergens that can cause perennial eye allergies.

HOW DO ALLERGENS AFFECT THE EYES?
Eye allergies flare up when allergens touch sensitive areas and set off chemical reactions within your body. Of the many symptoms, eye itching is a common complaint. Other common reactions include swollen, puffy eyelids; redness; a burning sensation; crusting of the lids; and watery eyes. Or your eyes may feel dry or gritty or sensitive to light.

CAN EYE ALLERGIES BE PREVENTED?
Allergy is a disease with a genetic predisposition. Typically, a child has a 20 percent chance of being allergic. The percentage rises to 30 to 40 percent if one parent is allergic. If both parents are allergic, there is a 50 to 70 percent chance a child will develop an allergic condition.

Controlling the source of the allergen is the most effective way to minimize or even eliminate eye allergies. You will want to reduce or eliminate contact with the items that irritate your eyes.

• Wash your hands, face, and hair thoroughly and frequently, and keep them away from your eyes.
• Washing your hair before going to bed keeps allergens off your pillow case which can cause eye allergies in the night.
• Use air filters in your home and car; clean them regularly.
• Clean and vacuum your home regularly.
• Avoid indoor pets and NEVER let animals sleep in bed with you- pet dander is a high cause of allergies.
• Stay indoors when the pollen counts are high ( see www.pollen.com).
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Keep your house dry and free of mold.

Hint: When your eyes are itchy or your eyelids are swollen and puffy, avoid touching or rubbing them. This may worsen your symptoms instead of bringing relief.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE OVER-THE-COUNTER?
Over-the-counter allergy drops give mixed results. Many drops that say “get the red out” have a decongestant that constricts blood vessels. This can cause your eye allergies and dry eyes to worsen if used too much. Our blood vessels dilate to bring fighter cells to the area that fight off allergens. Do not use over-the-counter allergy drops more than twice a day. If this does not improve your itching, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to try prescription strength allergy drops.
The best treatment at home is cool compresses (cold, wet wash cloth or cool gel mask) and artificial tears. Rinsing your eyes with tears or saline will flush out the allergens causing many of your symptoms.

WHAT CAN A DOCTOR DO ABOUT EYE ALLERGIES?
A doctor can confirm that your problem is eye allergies. Many people confuse dry eye symptoms or other eye conditions with allergies. A doctor may give you a prescription for an eye drop. Regular use of the eye drop will not only relieve your symptoms, but can actually prevent them from happening. A good eye drop works quickly, lasts a long time, and soothes your eyes immediately.

Call our office at Eye Care Oklahoma 799-7510 to schedule an appointment if you are having eye allergy symptoms that may benefit from treatment.

THIS ARTICLE COURTESY OF INSPIRE PHARMACEUTICAL, INC.