People with various allergies seek help for symptoms including sniffling, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Allergies can also affect the skin and our eyes. Eye allergies are noticeable when one’s eyes are exposed to something such as dust and pollen, causing the eyes to itch, turn red, burn, and water up. These allergies can be seasonal, the more common and chronic type, or seasonal, which happens only at certain times of the year, namely the spring and the fall. The common causes for eye allergies are pollen from grass and trees, mold, dust, feather bedding, and animal shedding. Other things such as perfumes, smoke, common air pollution, and some medicines can also causes the allergies to come out.

Dust is always around us, even at home, and easily collect up in various corners of the house and even in bed.

To reduce dust, get pillow covers that are thick and keep it out and wash frequently using hot water. Get a new mattress every few years because the older it is, the more likely it will contain those dust bunnies. For a cleaner floor that swipes all the particles, damp the mop; using a sweeper only push the dust and any allergens to the side or up in the air. Rugs and carpets keep a ton of them, especially with pets around, so have it cleaned constantly or replace them with hardwood or tile that makes it easier to clean on. To stop mold in the basement or attic, use a dehumidifier and clean it.

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, can be handled with the use of different medications. Prescriptions can give short and long-term relief with sterile saline rinses and eye drops to calm irritated eyes and remove allergens. They reduce red eyes, even with some sting when applied, but they do help in getting rid of pressure that could blur the vision. However, using them everyday can cause the eyes to get used to it and let the redness return withstanding the medication. Oral medications and antibiotics can also be used to give relief. There are also basic remedies such as using a cold compress over the eyes to cool them or, for those with contacts, simply take them out for a bit to calm the eyes.

While it is tempting, it is strongly advised to not rub itchy eyes. The itching and redness is made worse by doing so. There are different medications that can help relieve eye itching. However, for more help, contact Innovation in Eyecare and we will help you come up with a solution for your eye allergies. Almost everyone has to deal with itchy eyes at some point in their lives. It is unpleasant, especially when there are allergies involved. Millions of people have allergic conjunctivitis and look to various remedies and precautions to avoid the common pains of itchiness, redness, and burning from their eyes. So if you are effected, rest assured that you aren’t alone and there are ways to alleviate your condition.

Got Itchy Eyes? Call Innovations in Eyecare For Treatment Options 360-736-7385