Information on Eye Allergies

I am writing this article after lot of struggle with my eye allergy.

Information on Eye Allergies

Many eye allergies often go unrecognized for a long period of time till the symptoms get so bad that the person suffering from them needs to consult a doctor and eye allergy relief must be prescribed (such as prescription drugs).

Eye allergies occur in the same way as any allergy and can sometimes even be caused by the same situations as for example hay fever and pollen allergies. The eyes react to a substance that the body interprets as potentially harmful, even if this is not the case. In response to this 'attack' the body produces antibodies, causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Eye allergies are often hereditary and can surface at any age. Dust that can be completely harmless to most people might cause an allergy symptom in sensitive people, resulting in a proper allergy for which allergy eye relief is needed.

Can Eye Allergies Trigger Other Problems?

If eye allergies go unnoticed or are not treated properly they can cause more severe problems that will need serious medical attention. Some of these problems are:

Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the thin layer of membrane that surrounds the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is the name for the inflammation of this membrane, its common name being pink eye. This condition is caused by a virus or bacteria and can sometimes be an eye allergy symptom. Usually allergies to dust, pollen or chemicals cause this condition.

The condition can also be triggered by wearing contact lenses or viral and bacterial infections.

Asthma

The inflammation of the eyes, or allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye caused by an allergy) is linked to other allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, rhinitis (blocked or runny nose) and asthma. If a person suffers from asthma they are more likely to develop allergic conjunctivitis at some point.

Causes of Eye Allergies

The air around us is filled with potential allergens (particles causing potentially allergic reactions). These particles come in contact with the eyes and the nose and especially airborne particles might cause an allergy symptom. Examples of causes of eye allergies:

• Airborne allergens like pollen, mold and dust may cause an allergic reaction that is mostly noticed by its effect on the eyes. Itchy and red eyes, and a feeling as if sand or something else might have ended up in the eye describe the effect that these allergens have on an allergic person.
• Types of food that someone is allergic to may also cause an allergic reaction of the eyes, and often symptoms like itchy eyes or red eyes alert a patient to a latent food allergy. In this case eye allergy drops will take away the symptoms but not the cause, unless the food allergy is treated too.
• Bee StingsHistamines (antibodies) are released by the skin as a reaction to a bee sting. As with any other allergy the body tries to get rid of the potentially dangerous cause (in this case a bee sting) and the histamine bring about allergic reactions in the eyes, and possibly in the nose and throat or on the skin.

Diagnosis of Eye Allergies

If you suspect that you might be suffering from an eye allergy it is necessary to get your doctor to investigate the problem. Allergy eye drops may be prescribed when he or she finds that you are suffering from a type of allergy. You will have to answer questions about the symptoms that you are experiencing and it may be helpful to take notes of when, where and how you experienced any discomfort. This will help your doctor to diagnose the problem.

Different ways to treat eye allergies and prescribe allergy eye medicine are:

Physical Examination.

A doctor will check out the blood vessels in your eye to make sure that there are no swollen or damaged vessels. There might be bumpy looking swellings on the eye that need treatment and the inside and outside of the eyelid will be checked for signs of allergy symptoms.

Laboratory Tests

A blood sample is taken and sent off to a laboratory where allergy tests will be performed by investigating the response of the blood and its antibodies to different allergens. Depending on your surrounding and complaints tests will be performed for the most likely allergens first (usually dust and pollen). After these tests a clear picture of the allergen plaguing you is formed.

Treatment of Eye Allergy

Avoidance

The best treatment is to avoid situations in which the allergy might occur. Keeping the home free of dust and avoiding going out when pollen counts in the air are high can be helpful. Air conditioners will help keep your home free of allergens.

Medications

Alleviating the symptoms with over the counter medication can be helpful, but if you experience your symptoms more often it is better to speak to a doctor to see if you are suffering from an allergy. Prescription drugs usually work better and a doctor will be able to supply you with special eye drops for allergies and other medication if needed.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines such as pills or eye drops will offer eye allergy relief and take mild allergy symptoms away, but only temporarily. Usually over the counter drugs contain low amounts of antihistamine.

Decongestants

Decongestant medication will help relief you of mucus built up in the airways and nose as a result of your allergy. It will help clear the eyes and is usually taken in combination with antihistamines. Over the counter natural decongestants are sold that will successfully alleviate any allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy

In immunotherapy a patient is exposed to low amounts of the allergen that is suspected to be causing symptoms. By exposing the patient the immune system will get used to them and will not feel the need to produce antibodies anymore when the body comes in contact with any allergens.

Tips To Prevent Allergies

By sticking to a few simple rules and tips it is easy to keep your home and surroundings allergy free.

• Cleaning the home regularly with cleaning sprays and by vacuuming the home can be kept virtually dust free. Using cleaning sprays specifically meant for people with allergies is imperative.
• Eliminate water leaks around the house as they encourage the growth of mold. causing mold dust. This dust will be spread around the house and is very difficult to get rid of.
• Replacing carpets with linoleum flooring will help a lot as carpets collect (unseen) dust.

Eye allergies can be kept under control with the right medication and preventions in your immediate surroundings. Consulting a doctor with any concerns and symptoms is necessary as a neglected eye allergy can cause more problems. Eye allergy relief can be offered once a diagnose is formed.