Eye allergies can be extremely aggravating, especially when symptoms persist all day and night. If you suffer from eye allergies, see our Maple Ridge Eye Care optometrist for diagnosis of your condition. The answers to the following FAQs compiled by our Maple Ridge eye doctor provide greater insight into eye allergy causes, symptoms and treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Allergies?
Eye allergy symptoms may vary from one individual to the next. In general, however, you may experience symptoms such as eye redness, itchiness, swollen eyelids, blurred vision, burning eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and discharge from your eyes. You may have mild symptoms or severe allergic reactions that impair your sight. Eye allergy symptoms may also be accompanied by nasal allergies or skin conditions.
What Causes Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies can be caused by numerous indoor and outdoor irritants. In some people, environmental allergens like tree pollen, dust mites, mold, mildew, and pet dander trigger allergy symptoms. Other people are sensitive to smoke, chemicals, gas fumes and chlorine. Certain medications and cosmetics can also lead to allergy symptoms.
Your eyes are susceptible to all kinds of conditions due to constant exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments. If you’re vulnerable to allergies, take measures to protect your eyes. Try to avoid substances and environments that trigger your symptoms. By doing your part, you can safeguard your eye health and vision. Fortunately, eye allergies aren’t contagious and can’t be spread to others. They can, however, make it difficult for you to live your normal lifestyle.
How Are Eye Allergies Diagnosed?
After reviewing your symptoms, performing tests, and evaluating your condition, our Maple Ridge optometry specialist can determine if you have eye allergies. Once a diagnosis has been made, we’ll make recommendations for treatment.
What’s the Treatment for Eye Allergy Symptoms?
Eye allergy treatments include the use of saline eye drops to cleanse your eyes of allergens, over the counter eye drops, prescription medications or allergy shots from an allergy specialist or your primary care physician. Avoiding contact with the allergen(s) causing your symptoms is one of the most effective ways of alleviating your condition.
The following tips can also help in reducing eye allergy symptoms:
- Don’t rub your eyes
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce exposure to allergens
- Avoid going out when pollen count is high
- Use your AC in your home and car during allergy season
- Make your bedroom off limits to pets to keep bedding free of pet dander
Eye Allergies? See Your Maple Ridge Optometrist for Relief
If you suffer from eye allergies and need help in diagnosing your condition, contact Maple Ridge Eye Care at 604-670-4434 today. We’ll help uncover the source of your allergies and recommend safe and effective treatment.