We interviewed our optometrist, Dr. Gerdes, to find out what allergy sufferers can do to get relief this spring. Book your consultation at Eye Fashion Optical, today.

1) Could you perhaps list some of the less well-known and less frequent symptoms of eye allergies in addition to the more prevalent ones?

Three types of allergies include food, seasonal, and pet. Other allergies include hay fever, hives, poison ivy, oak, and sumac allergies, and allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye). Allergies to mould, pollen, sun reactions, aspirin, cosmetics, nickel, drugs, dust, chemicals, and penicillins, as well as insect stings (bee stings).

2) Are allergies that affect the eyes different from other types of allergies, or are they the same?

Approximately 54 million people, about 20% of the U.S. population, have allergies. Almost half of these people have allergic eye disease. People who are more susceptible to allergic eye disease are those with a history of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis and those with a strong family and/or personal history of allergy. Symptoms usually appear before the age of 30.

The situation in which allergy symptoms appear in the eyes is similar to that in the nose. The allergy antibody IgE coats many mast cells in the conjunctiva as a result of allergens. Histamine and other mediators are released by the mast cell in response to reexposure to the allergen. Congestion follows from itchy, stinging, and runny eyes that turn red and inflamed from inflammation. It’s possible for the eyelids to enlarge to the point of complete closure. The conjunctiva can occasionally swell with fluid and protrude from the eye’s surface, giving the appearance of a “hive.” Light sensitivity may also be brought on by these reactions. An allergic reaction usually affects both eyes.

3) What causes Eye Allergies?

Allergic conjunctivitis, also called “allergic rhinoconjunctivitis,” is the most common allergic eye disorder. The condition is usually seasonal and is associated with hay fever. The main cause is pollens, although indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds, and dander from household pets such as cats and dogs may affect the eyes year-round. Typical complaints include itching, redness, tearing, burning, watery discharge, and eyelid swelling. To a large degree, the acute (initial) symptoms appear related to histamine release.

Eye allergies usually are associated with other allergic conditions, particularly hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and atopic eczema (dermatitis). The causes of eye allergies are similar to those of allergic asthma and hay fever. Medications and cosmetics can play a significant role in causing eye allergies. Reactions to eye irritants and other eye conditions (for example, infections such as pinkeye) are often confused with eye allergy. Any kind of irritant, whether environmental, infectious, or manmade, can cause symptoms consistent with eye allergies.

4) Is it true that there are certain times of the year that are worse, or is the whole year a problem?

Pollen is the most common allergen to cause conjunctivitis in countries that have cold winters (not near the equator like Waco, TX is). If you get conjunctivitis from pollen you will probably have symptoms of hay fever, which includes sneezing, blocked or runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy and watery eyes. When the conjunctivitis occurs along with sneezing and blocked nose, etc., the whole thing is called hay fever. This type of conjunctivitis is called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) because it almost exclusively occurs during the spring and summer months when plants, especially grass, trees, and flowers are in pollen. Some people even have symptoms during early autumn (fall).

5) What type of treatment options are available for patients that come in to see their optometrist with eye allergy symptoms?

The majority of allergic eye diseases cause more annoyance than harm.

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis or allergies can cause corneal scarring and vision issues.
• Most likely, itchy eyes are caused by allergies.
• For mildly itchy, red eyes, topical antihistamine/decongestant formulations work well and are safe.
• Patanol is a long-acting, safe, and very effective topical mast-cell stabiliser.
• It is important to utilise topical steroids carefully and under an optometrist’s supervision.

If in doubt, see Texas State Optical as soon as possible for medical consultation.

6) Are there treatments for eye allergies that offer permanent relief, or only temporary?

For the majority of people with ocular allergies, the prognosis is favourable. Usually, OTC/home remedies or the removal of the offending allergen immediately alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately, depending on what caused the eye allergy, the symptoms could recur. Although complications are extremely uncommon, if you experience pain, vision loss, or symptoms that don’t go away within 12 hours, you should see a doctor right away.

The mainstay of allergy treatment is avoiding the triggers. Avoiding touch and airborne allergens is especially crucial. Keep in mind that eye rubs are a physical trigger and should be avoided.

7) Is it possible to wear contact lenses without causing additional discomfort?

Contact lens allergies are less prevalent in those who use disposable lenses, particularly the one-day or one-week varieties, and more common in people who wear hard contact lenses. The risk of acquiring GPC is significantly increased when sleeping with contact lenses in place. Removing the contact lenses is the best course of action. Sometimes the issue can be avoided by switching to a different type of lens, washing more frequently, or utilising disposable daily wear lenses.

However, in spite of these precautions, the enormous papillae on the conjunctiva, which are indicative of GPC, may continue for months. In this illness, eye medicines are frequently required, sometimes for months at a time. Wearing contact lenses while taking these drugs is not advised.

8) Can you provide general recommendations that may help people suffering from Eye Allergies?

Most commonly, home care consists of flushing the eye with water and applying cool compresses as needed along with OTC ocular lubricants. With exposure to an allergen to the eye, it is important to thoroughly flush the eye with lukewarm tap water or commercially prepared eyewash solution. If these remedies are not working or if there is eye pain, extreme redness, or heavy discharge, you should seek medical advice. Some conditions, for example, are serious with potential sight-threatening complications if required treatment is delayed.