Are My Itchy Eyes a Sign of Eye Allergies?

Millions of people throughout the United States suffer from unpleasant symptoms caused by seasonal eye allergies. Eye irritation from allergies is caused by allergens floating in the air, such as high pollen counts, pet dander, and dust. One common sign of an eye allergy is itchiness in the area.

Itchy eyes from an allergy can be bothersome, but the expert doctors at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa can treat your symptoms, relieving any discomfort and preventing eye allergies from becoming more concerning in Tuscaloosa, AL.

What causes itchy eyes?

Eye itchiness is a common sign of eye allergies where the immune system produces an elevated response to a foreign item. The immune system will release chemicals called histamines to help fight off foreign agents that have entered the body. The histamines trigger inflammation and swelling in response to various threats. Other signs of an allergic reaction include redness, tearing, and soreness. Your eyes may also become sensitive to light, as the irritation can become worse if left untreated.

What triggers eye allergies?

Various seasonal grasses and weeds can trigger the itching that accompanies an eye allergy. Dust, pet dander, and some other indoor allergens may also be concerns. Other allergies can also be triggered by some chemicals in makeup or perfume products.

What can be done to treat these allergies?

At inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, we can help you treat these allergies and keep them from becoming worse. Antihistamine treatments can help relieve itchiness and other problems affecting the eyes. These include medications in the form of eye drops that prevent the immune system from releasing histamines. Some eye drops can even shrink blood vessels around the eye to help reduce any swelling.

What else can I do to prevent eye allergies?

The best way to avoid eye allergies is to avoid contact with whatever might trigger your allergy. We understand that sometimes it is not impossible for you to avoid those triggers altogether. You can do many things before you go places to prevent yourself from feeling the effects of eye allergies. For example, you can wear sunglasses before going outside. Sunglasses can produce a physical shield that prevents many outdoor allergens from entering your eyes in Tuscaloosa, AL.

You can also use lubricating eye drops to protect your eyes. These are also called artificial tears and can help moisten dry eyes. Regular use as directed will keep your eyes comfortable and will reduce the risk of irritation.

Be sure to also avoid rubbing your eyes if they start to itch. Rubbing the eyes will cause the allergens to spread, causing the allergic reaction to become worse.

Contact us today for eye allergy treatment in Tuscaloosa, AL

Eye allergies can be a real problem, but with proper treatment, you can reduce and manage the symptoms. You can trust us at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa to provide the proper treatments for all of your eye health needs. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more about how we help keep your eye allergies under control in Tuscaloosa AL.