Eye Allergy : Another Common Form of Allergy

One has allergies when the immune system comes in contact with something in the environment, like pollen, dust, or even perfume. It happens when the body’s immune system becomes affected and overreacts to the foreign substance which usually doesn’t cause any reaction problem in most people. 

Dealing with eye allergies can be most cumbersome. And nothing is more so than the feeling that there is something in the eye. The situation, however, changes if the eyes are red and itchy, and upon checking there is nothing in them. That could mean an allergic reaction.

The common symptoms of eye allergies include:

- Itching

- Redness

- Burning

- Swelling

- Watery discharge

It is common for eye allergies to be triggered by elements from the outdoor. These outdoor allergens include pollens from grass, flowers, trees.

The allergens found indoors can come pet danders, dust and even mould; while other irritants can be smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust. 

Managing Eye Allergy

As ocular or eye allergies is one of the most common forms of allergies apart from nasal allergies, here are some way one can avoid the irritants that trigger it.

One can achieve so by making the following changes.

- Closing the windows during high pollen seasons such as spring or the dry season and using air conditioning in your home and car.

- Wearing glasses or sunglasses when outdoors

- Using bed-covers to limit exposure to dust mites, and a dehumidifier to control mould.
- Washing hands after petting animals.

One can also control some symptoms with over-the-counter medications

- Eye drops to clear the with tears
- Decongestant eye drops ( but if it’s allergic conjunctivitis or red-eye that has lasted longer than a week one must consult an eye specialist immediately)
- Oral anti-allergic medicines ( one must note that these medications may dry the eyes and the symptoms may get worse)

Keeping in mind the above one mustn’t take the eye for granted and consult a trained ophthalmologist in Dubai, because if the diagnosis is withheld and the allergy progresses, it may also affect one’s eyesight.