Allergies tend to be associated with a runny nose, scratchy throat, or just an increased level of sneezing, but allergy symptoms come in a lot of different varieties. Unfortunately for many, allergies can cause all types of discomfort for the eyes, ranging from swelling to a persistent itchy feeling.
If you find that your eyes are getting red, swollen, and/or itchy—then it is highly possible that it is due to an allergy pollen, pet dander, dust, freshly cut grass, etc… In order to rid yourself of this frustration, you need to figure out what is triggering your reaction and take action to stay ahead of the symptoms.
Eye allergies, or “allergic conjunctivitis” as it is known in the scientific community, is caused by a misfiring of the immune system—like any other allergic reaction. When you have an allergic reaction, your body is reacting to something that isn’t really harmful and releases histamine—a chemical that causes swelling and inflammation. With eye allergies this makes the blood vessels in your eyes swell, making them get teary, red, and itchy.
The different types of eye allergies are as follows:
While most of the time allergic symptoms will materialize pretty quickly, it can sometimes take up to two to four days to make themselves known after exposure. Here are some allergy symptoms to keep an eye out for:
In most cases, eye allergies can be treated by over-the-counter eye drops and antihistamine pills. The best thing you can do to minimalize the effects of your allergies is to be aware of them and to take all the necessary precautions to limit exposure. If eye problems persist and over-the-counter medications aren’t providing relief, be sure to see your eye doctor for further inspection.
