13
Ways to Tame Eye Allergies
Top 13 Ways to Tame Eye
Allergies
What Is
Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Red, burning,
itching, tearing eyes are the main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The
condition affects millions of Americans. More than one-third of children suffer
from allergies. About 30% to 50% of children who have one parent with allergies
will develop allergies. About 60% to 80% of children who have two allergic
parents will develop allergies. Sufferers can feel downright miserable.
Allergies cause fatigue, difficulties performing everyday activities, and may
interfere with sleep. The condition may occur year round or seasonally. People
who suffer may have dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners.
There are different types of allergic conjunctivitis and different triggers.
Effective treatment depends on the type the patient has as well as identifying
their unique triggers.
What Are
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms?
People with eye
allergies suffer from redness, itching, burning, and clear discharge. Depending
on the type of allergic conjunctivitis a person has, they may exhibit tearing,
sensitivity to light, feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body
sensation), puffiness, blurry vision, discomfort wearing contact lenses,
swollen eyelids, or produce a thick, mucus discharge may be present. Some
people with the condition also have nasal allergies, eczema, or asthma. All of
these are allergic diseases.
Triggers: What
Causes Red Eyes?
Red eyes may
occur when someone is exposed to their triggers. These triggers may differ from
person to person. Pollen, dog and cat dander, dust mites, and mold are just a
few potential eye allergy triggers. When a susceptible person is exposed to
these allergens, a substance called histamine is released. Histamine and other
inflammatory compounds are responsible for itchy eyes, watery eyes, and other allergic
symptoms. Eye drops are available that reduce redness. They may or may not
contain compounds that act as antihistamines and relieve itching, too. Red eyes
that may be mistaken for pink eye (conjunctivitis) are a common symptom of eye
allergies.
Rubbing Makes
Eye Allergies Worse
Red, itchy eyes
can be so uncomfortable, it's tempting to rub or scratch. As much as you may
want to, try to keep your hands away. Rubbing will only make symptoms worse by
triggering the release of more inflammatory chemicals. Refrain from wearing eye
makeup that might irritate eyelids. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
Apply cold compresses over the area to help relieve symptoms. Wash your hands
often to minimize introducing dirt or allergic substances into sensitive eyes.
Conceal Eye
Circles Carefully
If you are
self-conscious about the appearance of dark circles, you can minimize their
appearance with concealer. If the circles are blue, choose a concealer with a
yellowish tinge to best hide the problem. If the circles are more brown, choose
a concealer with an orange or peach tinge to mask the problem. Use no to
minimal eye makeup as makeup may make symptoms worse. The less you put on your
eyelids and around your eyes, the better. Instead, accentuate another feature, like
your mouth. Put on a flattering shade of lipstick and you're good to go.
Avoid Outdoor
Allergy Triggers
Do your
symptoms act up in the spring or summer? You may have seasonal eye allergies.
Pollen from grass, weeds, and trees may trigger your eye allergy symptoms.
Monitor pollen counts and stay indoors when they are high outside, if possible.
Close the windows and run the air conditioner to help filter the air. Pollen
counts tend to be the highest in the early evening and mid-morning when winds
are most active. If you must be outside, wear sunglasses to minimize contact
with allergens. Do not use window fans. These can draw irritants from outside
and deliver them into your home and make eyes itchy.
Avoid Indoor
Allergy Triggers
Indoor
allergens may trigger eye allergy symptoms. Protect yourself by keeping windows
closed at home and in the car. Run the air conditioner to help filter the air.
Skip window fans that draw air with pollen and other allergens from outside and
bring them inside. Take measures to protect yourself against dust and mold. If
you go outside, change clothes and shower as soon as you get indoors because
pollen sticks to clothing and hair. Pollen counts are highest in the early
evening and mid- morning. Avoid going outside during these times, if you can.
Do not allow cats and dogs to be in the bedroom. Pet dander on the floor or on
bedding can be especially problematic for allergy sufferers and those with
asthma.
Tips for
Manage Dust Mites
Dust mites are one of the
most common indoor allergens. Encase your mattress, comforter, and pillows in
mite proof covers to reduce exposure to substances that can provoke
conjunctivitis. Wash bedding in water that is 130 F to kill mites. Vacuum
frequently and wet mop hard floors to remove small particles. Avoid carpet, if
you can, and minimize the amount of upholstered furniture in your home. Invest
in air cleaners that remove dust, pollen, and other small particles from indoor
air that can provoke an allergic reaction.
Stamp Out Mold
Mold grows in
bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Safeguard against mold by making sure
indoor humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier in basements
and other damp areas to keep moisture levels in an acceptable range. Clean and
empty the water pan regularly. Mold can grow there. Make sure there is proper
ventilation in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement and don't allow mold to
grow. Install a HEPA filter in your air conditioner that is rated high enough
to trap mold spores.
Eye Drops Can
Provide Relief
Many of the eye drops you can buy over the
counter from the pharmacy contain active ingredients that are the same as those
that treat nasal allergies. Different active ingredients treat different
aspects of allergies. Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers prevent the
release of histamine and other compounds that cause itchy eyes. Artificial
tears and tear substitutes used for dry eye syndrome keep eyes lubricated and
help rinse away allergens. Decongestant drops minimize the appearance of blood
vessels, which cause red eyes. Some kinds of eye drops may not be appropriate
for some individuals, so discuss any you intend to use with your doctor first.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops and steroids are available from your
doctor by prescription. Ask your doctor for an eye care routine that is best
for you.
·
Allergy
Medication Can Help
Some
medications that you take to treat hay fever, nasal allergies, runny nose, and
throat and sinus problems may also help control eye allergies. Antihistamines
and decongestants are available in capsule, pill, and liquid forms. Potential
side effects of these medications may include dry eyes and drowsiness. Some
kinds of decongestants may make you jittery or dizzy. If you have high blood
pressure, certain ingredients in allergy medication may not be safe for you.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medications are safe for you.
Allergy Shots
Are a Treatment Option
Allergy shots,
or immunotherapy, are a series of injections to improve an individual's
tolerance to allergens. The treatment helps the immune system be less
sensitized to allergens and it may help with eye allergies. At first, small
amounts of the offending allergens are injected into an allergy sufferer. As
treatment proceeds, increasing amounts of the allergens are injected. Treatment
usually lasts several months. People who have severe allergies may be the most
likely to benefit from allergy shots. The treatment may not provide complete
relief and you may still need to rely on medications to keep your chronic
allergy symptoms in check.
Have an
Allergy Plan, and Stick to It
The best way to avoid suffering from itchy,
swollen eyes, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms is to prevent symptoms
before they start. Know your allergy triggers and do your best to avoid them.
Do you feel better or worse during certain times of the year? Your doctor can
perform allergy testing to identify which substances are irritants for you. You
may need a combination of oral medications, nasal sprays, eye drops, and shots
to control your eye allergy and allergic symptoms. Ask your doctor how best to
control your chronic allergy symptoms and what to do if you have an allergic
reaction.
Self-Care Tips
Ask whether home remedies, like applying a
cool compress over itchy eyes, will help. Discuss plans for how to treat mild
and more severe symptoms with the doctor. Ditch the contact lenses when itchy
eyes flare up. Stick to glasses. Follow your doctor's eye care instructions.
Stash moisturizing eyedrops on hand at home and work to treat dry eyes when
they occur. Protect your eye health by wearing sunglasses outside. You can
manage diseases like eye allergies, asthma, eczema, and other conditions with
the right plan.
Reviewed by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD on Thursday, August 17, 2017
Top 13 Ways to Tame Eye
Allergies
This tool does not
provide medical advice.
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