Common Eye Allergies and Treatments

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Are you already treating your eye allergies at home, but the symptoms won't go away? There is a possibility that something deeper is going on with your eye health. Schedule an appointment with The EyeDoctors Optometrists to receive an extensive examination of your eyes and create a tailored plan to satisfy your requirements. 

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At-Home Remedies for Allergies

Most allergies of any sort have common treatments that should relieve any discomfort. 

Common Treatments for Allergies

Common at-home treatments for allergies include: 

• Tear substitute eye drops.

• Reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens, depending on your allergy

• OTC decongestants and antihistamines

• You can treat Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis, and Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis at home by removing contact lenses and avoiding allergens.

• Prescription eyedrops are reliable relief for these types of allergies as well.

If at-home remedies are not providing relief, speak with your eye doctor about treatments they can offer.

Treat Allergy Symptoms with Pataday

The EyeDoctors Optometrists recommend Pataday, an allergy treatment in the form of an eye drop solution. Pataday targets redness of the eye and itchy symptoms, allowing you to enjoy your day without further irritation. 

Additionally, purchasing Pataday eye drops from The EyeDoctors Optometrists is more affordable than buying them over the counter. Pick up your Pataday eye drops from The EyeDoctors Optometrists today!

Six Different Types of Eye Allergies

If you often fight eye allergies, you may have one of the following types. Suppose the standard treatments you have tried do not improve your condition. In that case, it might be wise to make an appointment with an optometrist at The EyeDoctors Optometrists.

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) occurs seasonally in the spring, summer, or fall months. A SAC reaction depends on the type of plant pollen in the air. The two most common plant pollens to cause a reaction is grass pollen and ragweed. 

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) often include: 

• Itching

• Redness

• Burning

• Clear, watery discharge

• Dark circles

• Puffy eyes

• Sensitivity to light

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC) is similar to SAC, except it is not seasonal. PAC is a year-round environmental allergen that lives indoors, such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and other household irritants. The symptoms of PAC are often mild and very similar to SAC. 

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis occurs from irritation from using contact lenses. Specifically, eye irritation occurs when the proteins from the tears in your eyes collect on the surface of the lens. 

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis include:

• Itching

• Redness

• Lens Discomfort

• Mucous discharge

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is an eye allergy with more severe symptoms than SAC or PAC. Often, it occurs year-round but can get worse as the seasons change. This allergy is common in males and younger people, with three-quarters of those affected by it also having eczema or asthma.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis include: 

• Itching

• Significant increase in tear production

• Increase in mucus.

• Feeling that something is stuck in your eye (foreign body sensation)

• Light sensitivity

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis is an allergic disorder that impacts the eyelids and the front of the eyes and often occurs in elderly individuals. It can be a long-term problem. This allergen can cause a reaction at any point throughout the year. The symptoms of Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis are very similar to Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis. Seeking medical attention if you're experiencing any of these symptoms is essential. If this allergy is left untreated, it may cause cornea scarring due to the irritants occurring for too long. 

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis often include:

• Severe itching

• Burning

• Redness

• Significant increase in mucus production

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis tends to cause more irritation to the eye than Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis. This most commonly occurs when individuals wear contact lenses, specifically soft lenses. The lenses themselves or cleaning solutions can cause irritated eyes. Other allergens, especially chronic allergies, can also contribute to the allergic reaction. 

Common Symptoms

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis symptoms most commonly affect the inside of your eyelid. Symptoms include: 

• Roughness

• Redness

• Swelling

• Formation of bumps

As well as the eyelid being affected, the eyeball can also experience symptoms, including: 

• The feeling of something stuck in your eye

• Redness

• Itchiness

• Excess mucus

• Blurry vision

• Feeling that your contact is moving.