The eyes are one of the body’s sensitive organs. They are sensitive to various things, such as excessive rubbing, dry heat, wind, allergies, excessive light, and medication. Some allergies are natural, but we must protect our eyesight from becoming poor or damaged. Let us discuss some overlooked eye allergies with Mitra Eye and Laser Lasik Hospital.
Types of eye allergies and their causes explained.
There are about five types of eye allergies, and here, we will discuss all of them and their causes. Indoor or outdoor allergens or irritants can cause some. Sometimes, pink is mistaken for eye allergy.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the most common eye allergy, usually caused by grasses, trees, and pollen. It usually makes the eyes swollen, red, and teary; it can also cause itchiness and blurred vision.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most chronic eye allergies because it is repetitive. It can occur all year round and is similar to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, but the only difference is that this one only has mild symptoms. Dust mites and mould usually cause this type of eye allergy. Aversion to light, swollen or puffed-up watery eyes and a feeling of having something in your eyes are common symptoms of this type of allergy.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is the most serious eye allergy, common for boys from a young age to young adults with seasonal allergies like eczema or hay fever.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis
It usually impacts older adults with a history of allergic dermatitis. If left untreated, it is a severe eye allergy that can potentially lead to vision impairment.
Contact allergic conjunctivitis
This allergy is caused by toxins from cosmetics and eye medication components coming in contact with the eye’s surface and causing some damage.
Tips on how to care for allergic eye symptoms
1. Do not forget to always wash your hands before touching your eyes and after touching unclean surfaces.
2. Avoid aggressively rubbing your eyes, as this may worsen the swelling of the eye.
3. Wear shades or sunglasses outdoors to avoid pollen or dust entering your eye.
4. Use of eye drops like antihistamines and decongestants is recommended if the allergy persists.
Options of treatment for allergic eyes:
1. Apply a cold compress to relieve the eye temporarily.
2. Antihistamine eye drops are the most common allergic eye treatment.
3. For chronic eye allergies, allergy immunotherapy shots can be administered to lessen the body’s sensitivity to allergies.
Some allergies are left to cure themselves. The best-case scenario is saving money instead of going to an optician and buying over-the-counter medication. The worst case scenario is losing your eyesight permanently for something that could have been treated. Always check your eyes for unusual symptoms; if there is anything concerning, schedule an appointment with a professional as soon as possible.