Eye Allergies: Symptoms & Causes
If your eyes are red and watery, and you have a runny nose, you might suffer from eye allergies. Even if you don't see any visible debris, your eyes can still feel irritated. Eye allergies are rampant in East African communities.
In Uganda, a study of 1700 schoolchildren aged 5 to 17 found that 39.5% had allergic conjunctivitis. Proper diagnosis is needed to find the underlying causes of such allergies. Let's learn what eye allergies are first.
Understanding Eye Allergies
Eye allergies are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. They occur when the topmost mucous membrane protecting your eyes, the conjunctiva, experiences an allergic reaction. This condition is known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergies in the eyes occur when allergens (allergy-causing external agents or irritants) land on your eye’s conjunctiva. Common allergens or irritants like mold spores, pet dander, pollen, dust, etc can irritate your eyes.
It triggers watering of your eyes and a runny nose and is often accompanied by sneezing. To identify the common allergic eye disease, we must vividly understand its symptoms.
Symptoms of Eye Allergies
The common eye allergy symptoms are:
- Itching and irritation in your eyes
- Redness in the white area of the eyes
- Burning sensation
- Watery discharge or tears
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry vision
Eye allergies causes include indoor and outdoor allergens such as pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke. Occupational allergens and improper use of cosmetics or contact lenses can cause eye allergies. Identifying the cause can help distinguish between common irritation and underlying eye problems.
Causes of Eye Allergies
An irritated eye is a symptom of allergic reactions due to indoor and outdoor allergens. Here is what we must know about them.
Outdoor Allergens
Outdoor allergens are those that are typically found outdoors and can remain suspended in the air, leading to an allergic reaction when they enter our eyes.
Pollens
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can cause allergic reactions in our eyes, especially during seasons when plants release a high amount of pollen into the air.
To protect against these allergens, people who are sensitive to pollens should wear protective eyewear. There are specific eyeglasses online that can protect our eyes from invisible pollens.
Indoor Allergens
Indoor allergens, on the other hand, are found indoors. They are dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, etc.
- Dust mites: Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in household dust, bedding, and upholstery. Their waste particles and body fragments become airborne and enter our eyes to cause an allergic reaction.
- Pet or animal dander: Allergens in pet dander, urine, and saliva can also trigger eye allergies. When these enter our eyes, our immune system sees them as foreign particles that need to be neutralized. To do so, mast cells take a protective measure that leads to watery and itchy eyes.
- Mold spores: Mold spores can also cause allergic reactions. Molds are fungi that thrive in damp and humid areas such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They produce airborne spores that can land on the eyes and trigger an allergic reaction.
Airborne Irritants
Airborne external irritants linked to nonliving origins can also cause eye allergies.
- Smoke: Smoke from a fire can irritate the eyes. Improper burning often carries suspended particles that cause eye irritation.
- Vehicular exhaust: Pollution in East Africa is one of the common causes of rampant eye allergies. Vehicular exhaust contains suspended particles that can trigger an allergic reaction from direct contact.
- Occupational allergens: Workers in construction, agriculture, healthcare, etc, are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, etc. These occupational allergens vary as per the usage of materials and machinery. Prolonged exposure can be harmful to workers.
Cosmetics and Prosthetics
Wearing cosmetics and applying skincare products can cause eye allergies, while improper use of contact lenses and hygiene issues are the main reasons for common eye irritations. Identifying the type of an eye allergy can help us seek necessary treatments and take precautionary measures accordingly.
Types of Eye Allergies
Get to know the diverse spectrum of eye allergies, each presenting unique triggers and symptoms, from Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) to Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC).
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC)
SAC is caused by outdoor allergens such as pollens, which can cause redness, itching, watering, and swelling. Wearing protective eyeglasses for men can help reduce the occurrence of SAC.
Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC)
It is a year-round condition triggered by indoor allergens. Its symptoms are chronic irritation, redness, and discomfort due to prolonged exposure to indoor allergens.
Vernal Kerato-conjunctivitis (VKC)
VKC is a severe eye condition that affects children and adults who have a history of atopic conditions such as eczema and asthma. The symptoms include sensitivity to light, intense itching, and large bumps (papillae) on the eyelids.
Atopic Kerato-conjunctivitis (AKC)
AKC is a chronic eye inflammation that occurs in people with atopic dermatitis or eczema. It causes severe itching, thickened conjunctiva, and persistent eye inflammation.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
GPC is linked to ocular prostheses and contact lenses. It causes large papillae on the upper eyelids, leading to discomfort and redness.
Getting a proper medical diagnosis and treatment for different types of eye allergies is important. Buying special eyeglasses online can help prevent allergens from entering the eyes and causing irritation.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Eye Allergies
Discover effective strategies for diagnosing and treating eye allergies, ensuring relief and improved ocular health.
Diagnosis of Eye Allergies
Eye allergies are a common immune system reaction that occurs when allergens come into contact with the eyes. As the symptoms of different types of eye allergies can be very similar, getting a proper medical diagnosis is recommended to develop an effective treatment plan.
Healthcare providers typically begin with a symptom and patient history evaluation. This involves thoroughly examining the allergy's onset, symptoms, severity, and duration. An eye test is also performed to check for papillae and other abnormalities that may contribute to the allergy.
In severe cases, specific tests may be used to identify the allergens causing the reaction, including skin, blood, and patch tests, to help identify the specific allergens triggering the reaction.
By working with an experienced ophthalmologist and undergoing a comprehensive evaluation, individuals can receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment and precautionary plan.
Eye Allergies Treatment
Eye allergies can be a nuisance, but there are ways to combat them.
First, avoid allergens as much as possible. Wearing protective gear like adult and kids eyeglasses and using an allergy eye ointment for topical application are some of the best ways to reduce symptoms like itchiness and swelling.
If eye allergies persist or become severe, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Allergy shots or immunotherapy can quickly desensitize your immune system, reducing the probability of allergic reactions in the future.
Complementary therapies like saline rinse and cold compress can also help alleviate irritation and swelling in the eye.
Always get a consultation from a skilled ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and take preventive measures to avoid allergens.
Optica: Your Perfect Destination for Eyeglasses
Optica has the perfect solution for you if you’re tired of constantly dealing with eye allergies! Our stylish eyeglasses for women and men provide a fashionable accessory and act as the first line of defense against allergens.
Protect your eyes and reduce the occurrence of eye allergies with our modern frames and lenses. Book an eye test today. Don't let eye allergies hold you back; choose Optica for stylish and functional eyewear.
FAQs – Eye Allergies
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What Is The Main Cause Of Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies are mainly caused by indoor and outdoor allergens such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites, and pollutants.
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What Is The Best Protection For Seasonal Eye Allergies?
Airborne allergens and pollutants cause seasonal eye allergies. Wearing eyeglasses can reduce contact with these irritants, providing the first line of defense. Also, using eye drops for allergies can offer quick relief.
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Can Food Cause Eye Allergies?
If a person is allergic to food like shellfish, consuming it can trigger eye allergies with other symptoms.
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Can Eyeglasses Stop Eye Allergies?
Eyeglasses can protect your eyes to a considerable extent from allergens floating indoors and outdoors. Sunglasses can relieve your photophobic eyes from sunlight.
