Preventing and Treating Eye Allergies

Eye allergies occur when an allergen or something you're allergic to disturbs the membranes of your eye. Several things may irritate your eyes, including pet dander, molds, dust mites, and pollen. Symptoms generally occur in both eyes shortly after exposure to any of these allergens. If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from eye allergies, then you know very well how annoying this condition can be. Here are a few tips to help you prevent eye allergies:

 

Stay Home During High-Pollen Days

Download a mobile weather application that tracks pollen counts in your area. This way, you can check the forecasts from time to time. As much as possible, try to stay inside during high-pollen days. What if you can't avoid going outside? Just ensure that you remove the allergens by taking a shower, washing your hair, and changing your clothes immediately.

 

Wear Proper Eyewear Outdoors

Another way to protect your eyes from allergens is to wear wrap-around sunglasses each time you spend time outdoors. When gardening or mowing the lawn, don't forget to wear safety glasses that come with foam padding. These will keep allergens like dust, pollen, and other flying debris from your eyes. 

 

Replace Your Home Air Filters

These devices are excellent at keeping the circulating air through your heating and cooling systems clean. The filters trap and hold a wide range of contaminants that could harm your health and reduce comfort. These particulates include dust, dirt, pollen, mold, mold spores, hair, and animal fur, among others. If you don't change your air filters regularly, they may cause more harm than good. 


Additionally, close your car windows when you drive around. This will prevent allergens from getting direct contact with your eyes, and will also help keep the interior of your car cleaner. If possible, use allergen-reducing covers to encase your pillows. Try washing your bedsheets in water that's at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, too. Keep your beloved pets off your furniture and vacuum your floor frequently. 

 

Treatment Options

The American Academy of Ophthalmology emphasizes that the key to treating eye allergies is limiting or avoiding contact with the allergen that causes the problem. Are you experiencing eye allergy symptoms such as red, swollen, or itchy eyes? Maybe you're struggling with burning, watery eyes, or light sensitivity. If so, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops and medicine to give you relief. These include artificial tears to temporarily wash the allergens from your eye or decongestants to reduce eye redness. They may also recommend oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, or antihistamine eye drops with mast-cell stabilizers. If none of these work, you may opt for allergy shots instead. 




Are you wondering which treatments are best for your case? At Atlanta Eye Group, we can provide advice on eye drops and medicines for your eye allergy. We will also conduct an assessment to rule out any underlying eye condition that may be mistaken as eye allergies. Contact Atlanta Eye Group in Atlanta or Kennesaw, GA at (770) 727-0772 to schedule your comprehensive eye examination. We have multiple offices in Atlanta and one in Kennesaw, Georgia.