Eye allergies are caused due to allergens such as dust, pollen, animal dander etc. Eye allergies show up in the form of red, itchy and watery eyes. This condition is also known as allergic conjunctivitis. Eye allergies are often accompanied by nasal allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing.
Symptoms and Causes of Eye Allergies:
Redness, itchiness, burning sensation and watery eyes are some of the symptoms of eye allergies.
Eye allergies are caused when your body overreacts to allergens which are normally harmless. Eye allergies are caused by the following allergens:
- Pollen
- Pet dander or hair
- Molds
- Dust mites
Top 7 Ways to Manage Eye Allergies:
Here are the top 7 Ways to Manage Eye Allergies:
- Protect yourself from pollen: Protect yourself from pollen by staying indoors when the pollen count is high. Closing the windows would also protect you from pollen and other allergens. If you are going outdoors, wear sunglasses or glasses to protect yourself from pollen.
- Beware of pet dander: Pet dander can cause eye allergies. To prevent this, restrict the areas in your home where the pet is allowed. Washing the pet regularly minimizes pet dander. Also, make sure you wash your hands after touching the pet.
- Use a dehumidifier: Dust mites and mold can grow in humid conditions. For this, use a dehumidifier and keep the humidity level of your home below 55%.
- Wash: Wash your bedding in hot water of temperature 130 degrees Fahrenheit to get rid of the dust mites. You can also use hypoallergenic pillows or allergy proof covers on mattresses and pillows to control the dust mites.
- Clean: Clean your house regularly with HEPA-enabled vacuum cleaner to remove the allergens. Also use HEPA air filters to remove allergens such as pollen, dust, mold etc.
- Change the interiors: Avoid overstuffed furniture, carpets, linens and window blinds, which can accumulate the allergens.
- Medical treatment: Allergy eye drops, oral antihistamines and cold compresses can help you to reduce your allergies. Allergy shots or immunotherapy can be a long-term option, which can help you to overcome eye allergies.
Eye allergies can interfere with your daily life. Managing them properly would help you overcome them. If the symptoms are severe, do consult your doctor or allergist to get treated for eye allergies.
Treatments for Eye Allergies
Eyewashes with tear substitutes and cold compresses on the eyes are helpful. For allergic conjunctivitis, use eye drops and oral anti-histamines.
Oral anti-histamines:
Popular oral anti-histamines include the over-the-counter loratadine (Claritin ®/Alavert ®), and prescription desloratadine (Clarinex ®), fexofenadine (Allegra ®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec ®). Benadryl is also useful, but may cause sedation and drowsiness.
Eye drops:
These are available both in prescription and over-the-counter forms. For allergic conjunctivitis, over-the-counter eye drops are available in decongestant and decongestant/anti-histamine combinations.
Decongestant eye drops need to be used for only for a short period, since too much use may cause dependence on the medication. Patients with glaucoma, and blood pressure or heart problems, should avoid using these eye drops.
The FDA has also approved ketotifen eye drops for over-the-counter use. Long-term use of ketotifen is not expected to cause dependence or conjunctivitis medicamentosa (symptoms are rebound eye redness/congestion).
