We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Eye Allergies?

By Madeleine A.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,071
Share

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, refer to a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen. When these allergens affect the eyes, itching, tearing, and redness can occur. Although eye allergies can develop in the absence of other symptoms, they are sometimes accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Typically, eye allergies can cause eye irritation, but are generally harmless and permanent vision is generally not threatened.

Frequently, people who have allergies to pollens and grasses are most likely to experience eye allergies. In addition, dust mites and pet dander can also provoke symptoms, as can perfumes, cigarette smoke, and molds. Sometimes, the physician might recommend antihistamines to not only relieve eye allergies, but to relieve nasal symptoms of allergies as well. Although antihistamines are effective for eye tearing and itching, they might produce dry eye, and even worsen the condition.

When eye allergies are accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, and eye discharge, the doctor needs to be notified. These symptoms indicate an eye infection and will need treatment. Generally, treatment for eye infections include either antibiotic eye ointments or drops, or oral antibiotics. If the eye infection is related to a systemic bacterial infection, treatment of choice is typically oral antibiotics.

Eye infections in children are common and very contagious. Parents should not assume that their child's eye problems and symptoms are the result of eye allergies until the physician determines the cause. If the eye problems are infectious in nature, antibiotics might be in order, however, when eye allergies are suspected, steps to treat the allergy are indicated.

If eye discharge and infection are present in one eye, they can quickly spread to the other. People need to make sure they do not touch their eyes and ensure they frequently wash their hands with hot, soapy water. Also, when eye drops are prescribed, the health care provider should explain that the tip of the eye drop bottle should never touch the eye. Instead, the bottle should be held just low enough to get a good aim into the eye, but high enough as to not touch the eye, which could re-introduce bacteria into the eye.

Occasionally, the physician will refer the patient to an allergist to rule out causes of allergies of the eye. The allergist can run a battery of tests to determine which offending allergens are affecting the eyes, allowing him to devise an appropriate treatment plan. Many times, the patient will be surprised to learn that he has an allergy to many different allergens, but relieved to know that they can all be successfully treated.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-eye-allergies.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.