Seasonal allergy sufferers can experience red, watery and itchy eyes as well as sneezing, congestion and a runny nose, all caused by the same irritants.
What causes eye allergies?
Eye allergies can be caused by a reaction to normally harmless substances called allergens. The most common can be pollen, mold, dust and pet dander. Eye allergies can also be caused to allergic reactions to cosmetics or eye drops. Food allergies and allergic reactions to bee stings or other insect bites, do not usually affect the eyes as much as airborne allergens.
Eye allergy relief
- avoidance – if you know there is a high pollen count, try to limit your time outside if you can. When you do go outside wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes and drive with your windows closed
- remove your contacts – the surface of your contact lenses can attract airborne allergens, consider wearing only eyeglasses during or switch to daily disposable contact lenses that can be discarded after one use.
- use eye drops – over the counter eye drops may work, but if your symptoms are severe and over the counter eye drops aren’t working, you may need prescription medication
Take this quiz to see if you might have eye allergies. Always consult your doctor if you suspect you have an eye condition needing care.
- Do allergies run in your family?
- Do your eyes often itch, particularly during spring pollen season?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with conjunctivitis?
- Are you allergic to certain animals, such as cats or dogs?
- Do you often need antihistamines and/or decongestants to control sneezing, coughing and congestion?
- When pollen is in the air, are your eyes less red and itchy when you stay indoors?
- Do your eyes begin tearing when you wear certain cosmetics or lotions, or when you’re around certain strong perfumes?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then you may have eye allergies. Make an appointment with an optometrist to determine the best course of action.