Red, Itchy, and Watery Eyes? Know More About Ocular Allergies
Description: Symptoms of eye allergy like the redness, itchiness, burning, and swelling of the eyes can lead to infections, as well as other conditions that can endanger the eyesight.
One of the body parts most linked to allergies is the eye. More often than not, most patients suffering from fever or nasal allergies suffer from eye allergies, also known as "ocular allergies," as accompanying diseases.
Also called allergic conjunctivitis, this condition takes place when something an individual is allergic to irritates the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane that covers the eye and the eyelid's inside part.
Like any kind of allergy, ocular allergy starts when a person's immune system detects an otherwise dangerous substance, also known as an allergen.
It leads the immune system to excessively react and generate antibodies, also known as Immunoglobulin or IgE.
Such antibodies go through the cells that emit chemicals that result in an allergic reaction. In this circumstance, allergic reactions comprise the eyes' watering, itchiness, pain, redness, and swelling.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Ocular Allergies
The most typical causes of ocular allergies are seasonal allergens like "pollen and mold spores." Those who have the "seasonal allergic rhinitis" or hay fever typically notice the symptoms they are experiencing worsen every time they go outdoors in times "when high pollen counts."
Meanwhile, indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander can lead to eye allergens as well, all year round. A person who experiences this type of allergy may notice worsening of such symptoms while attending to some activities like grooming his pet or cleaning the house.
People suffering from eye allergy say symptoms can be quite annoying. Yet, they posture a slight threat to eyesight, aside from temporary blurriness.
Different from occurrences like pink eye, ocular allergy, or allergic conjunctivitis is not transmittable or infectious. Nevertheless, the redness, itchiness, burning, and swelling of the eyes can lead to infections, as well as other conditions that can endanger the eyesight.
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Treating Eye Allergies
According to Michael Blais, MD, a clinical professor of paediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and US News contributor, managing eye allergies comprises a three-fold approach: avoiding and remedying that do not involve medication; intake of medications; and "allergen immunotherapy."
In addition, some oral and nasal drugs can help ease eye allergies, particularly when symptoms of other allergies exist.
These medications may include antihistamines like Claritin or diphenhydramine, specifically, Benadryl; decongestants like pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline, and steroids.
Some doctors may recommend the allergy shots if, despite the medication, symptoms don't improve. Allergy shots are an immunotherapy form involving a series of allergen injections.
The amount of allergen injection shots gradually increases over time. Furthermore, the said shots modify a patient's body's response to the allergen, helping him lessen the severity of allergic reactions.
Eye doctors may also recommend use eye drops available via prescription and over-the-counter. Eye drops often use for the optical allergies have olopatadine hydrochloride content. This is an ingredient that can efficiently alleviate symptoms linked to an allergic reaction.
Natural Treatment
There are also natural ways to treat eye allergies. Some have proven these natural remedies to have attained varying levels of success.
These natural treatments include herbal medicines like allium cepa made from red onion, euphorbium, and galphimia.
However, it is recommended that a patient consults with his doctor first before trying any of the herbal medicines.
A cool, moist washcloth also offers relief for patients suffering from ocular allergies. Simply place the washcloth over closed eyes a couple of times every day. This will help ease dryness and irritation of the eye. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that this approach does not treat the allergic reaction's underlying cause.
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Check out more news and information on Optical Allergies on MD News Daily.
Oct 01, 2020 08:40 AM EDT
