Eye Allergies — causes, symptoms, treatments

What are Eye Allergies?

No one looks forward to allergy season. Dry and itchy eyes can disrupt your work, school, and holiday schedule. Although they affect people differently, eye allergies can be pretty irritating.

What causes Eye Allergies?

Pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander can cause your eyes to become inflamed and itchy. Throw in weather and seasonal factors, and your eyes could be wishing for better days ahead.

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Allergies

When your eye area becomes inflamed, it can lead to other symptoms. The key is to remember these should be temporary. Eye swelling, tearing, stinging/burning, redness, and sometimes temporarily blurred vision are the most common symptoms with eye allergies.

Treating Eye Allergies

The best defense is to try to avoid the allergens that cause your symptoms, but that’s not always possible. If you wear contacts, it may help to remove them and rinse your eyes with artificial tears if you are exposed to allergens. Some over-the-counter or prescription treatments may be an option. Talk to your eye care professional about the best treatment for your allergies.

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How long do allergy-related eye symptoms last?

Eye allergy symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, depending on allergen exposure and how quickly treatment is started.

What is the best home remedy for eye allergies?

Cool compresses applied over closed eyes can help relieve itching and reduce redness. Artificial tears may also provide soothing relief.

Does drinking water help with eye allergies?

Yes. Staying well hydrated can help reduce eye dryness and ease mild allergy-related irritation.

Can eye allergies affect vision?

Yes. Eye allergies may temporarily cause blurred vision due to irritation and excessive tearing.

How can I tell if it’s an eye infection or allergies?

Eye infections often cause discharge and may be accompanied by pain or swelling, while allergies typically lead to redness, itchiness, and watery eyes.

Do eye allergy drops work?

Yes. Allergy eye drops are effective in reducing symptoms such as itching, redness, and watering by targeting allergic reactions in the eyes.

How can I reduce eye itching from allergies?

Use cool compresses, preservative-free lubricating drops, and avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent further irritation.

Can eye allergies go away on their own?

Yes. Symptoms often improve once exposure to the allergen is reduced or eliminated.

How many types of eye allergies are there?

There are five main types of eye allergies:

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

When should I see a doctor for eye allergies?

If symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfere with daily activities, an eye care professional should evaluate and recommend the most suitable treatment.

TL;DR - Eye Allergies - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Eye allergies are common and can cause redness, itching, and watery eyes, making everyday activities uncomfortable. They happen when allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander irritate the eyes. Managing allergies often means avoiding triggers and speaking with an eye care professional for guidance. If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and care routines to help keep your eyes comfortable, especially during allergy seasons.

Note: This content is intended for users in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.

Footnote

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