An eye allergy is an allergic reaction on the surface of the eyes. It is also called allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic symptoms result from your body’s reactions to substances that your body sees as foreign. Substances that cause an allergic reaction are called allergens. Pollen, cat dander, cosmetics, and smoke are examples of allergens.
The allergens may be in the air, such as smoke or plant pollen. Or they might be on your hands and get into your eyes when you touch your eyes.
If your eyes have been exposed to allergens more than once, the body reacts and produces antibodies. An allergic reaction starts when allergens in the air contact antibodies on the eye. The eye then releases chemicals such as histamine. Histamine causes the eyes to itch, swell, and produce more tears than is normal.
Sometime, allergic conjunctivitis is related to asthma or eczema.
The symptoms may include:
Sometimes skin around the eyes is red and scaly. Many people have more severe symptoms in the spring or fall. You may have other allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing.
Both eyes are usually affected unless just one eye came into contact with the allergen. This might happen with poison ivy.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, including runny nose and sore throat, and check your eyes. Your family medical history may also be helpful.
The first choice for treatment is to avoid the allergy-causing substances, if you know them.
Putting a cool, moist washcloth on your closed eyes several times a day may help relieve the symptoms. Artificial tears eyedrops may soothe the eyes and wash away allergy-causing particles from the surface of the eye. If you put your drops in the refrigerator, they will feel cool and soothing when you put them in your eyes.
Some people need to take antihistamine or anti-inflammatory pills, especially if they have other allergy symptoms. If you have only eye symptoms, eyedrops alone may relieve your symptoms. Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory eyedrops can both be used. Some require a prescription from your healthcare provider. Some drops may need to be used every day in order for them to work. Others can be used only as you need them.
The symptoms may last as long as the allergen is around, whether it's spring pollen or cat dander in a carpet. If you started having allergic reactions when you were a child and have continued to have them as an adult, you may have them the rest of your life. It is possible, however, to develop an allergy, including allergic conjunctivitis, at any time in life.
Sometimes a bacterial eye infection develops in addition to the allergic conjunctivitis. This may happen because bacteria got into your eyes when you scratched or rubbed them. If you have symptoms such as thick discharge, painful sensitivity to light, or decreased vision, contact your health care provider.
Often there is no way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis. There are some ways to lessen your symptoms.
Talk to your provider about other ways you can help prevent this problem.
