What Are the First Signs of an Eye Allergy?

Eye allergies can be a major annoyance, especially this time of year. In addition to causing daily frustration, they can make it harder to concentrate at work or make it downright impossible to enjoy doing all the things you enjoy doing. A scourge of the changing seasons, eye allergies affect 50 million Americans.

But you don’t have to be one of the many people suffering from this all-too-common condition. So, come see us in Birmingham, AL, or contact us at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham to explore our easy and effective treatment options.

What are the first signs of an eye allergy?

Eye allergies may manifest as part of hay fever, which causes other unpleasant effects, including congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. This unpleasantness could spread to the eyes (as it does for most people with allergies) where it’s known as allergic conjunctivitis.

Eye allergies affect patients differently based on many factors, so it’s impossible to tell what your first signs may be. However, the overall signs are pretty consistent.

You may suffer from redness, itching, and irritation. You may also have the unshakeable feeling of grittiness or that you have something stuck in your eye. Excess watering may also occur. Symptoms can also attack the eyelids, causing inflammation, puffiness, and itchiness. It’s important to resist the temptation to rub your eyes since this will only increase the discomfort.

What’s causing my eye allergies, and how can it be treated?

Eye allergies can be caused by numerous irritating agents in various environments. This can include the well-known frustrations of outdoor allergens: the ubiquitous types of pollen and other outputs from grasses, trees, and other plants. These can be an especially exasperating seasonal event, especially for those who spend time working or relaxing outside.

Allergies can strike indoors as well, where they may be worsened by dust, the ever-circulating dander in households with pets, or even the presence of mold. Other environmental irritants could also play a role, including exhaust, smog, cigarette smoke, or perfume.

One avenue for decreasing the annoyance and hindrance of eye allergies is to adopt strategies that keep you away from these triggers. Try to avoid pollen and such, especially during periods of high production. It may also help to switch on the AC in your home or car, though avoid having the air blow directly into your eyes, as this could increase irritation.

You should also generally avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, especially after interacting with a pet or animal. Our expert ophthalmologists can also prescribe eye drops, artificial tears, antihistamines, or employ other therapies to deal with the problem. However, the exact treatment plan depends on your personal factors and will be tailor-made for your unique needs.

Get in touch today for eye allergy relief

Allergic conjunctivitis can have detrimental consequences in terms of everyday annoyance. It can also rob you of the joy of daily living or make it seem nearly impossible to be productive at work if you’re constantly tearing up, itching, or fighting the urge to rub your eyes.

Fortunately, the treatments are simple, easy, and convenient. At inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham, we’re devoted to finding the optimal solution for you. So, reach out to us or pay us a visit in Birmingham, AL to find eye allergy relief.