Common Eye Allergy Triggers

Eye allergies can come on without warning.  An allergic reaction occurs when you come in contact with an allergen, such as dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, or pollen.

Some allergies come from what are known as perennial allergens, which means the allergen can be around any time of year. These are generally things that are found inside, like pets, dust or indoor mold. Others are seasonal in nature. Seasonal allergies can be aggravated from sources such as pollen, ragweed and grass.

If you're allergic to something, your body releases a chemical known as histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes blood vessels to swell and become red. This also causes itchiness and wateriness to the eyes.

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Some signs that may indicate that allergic conjunctivitis is brewing include:

• Burning sensation

• Itchy eyes

• Redness

• Puffy eyelids

• Tearing

Of course, just because you have these symptoms does not automatically mean you are experiencing eye allergies. It's also possible that your symptoms may be the result of an infectious condition such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.

To determine whether you indeed have allergic conjunctivitis, an eye doctor will take a full history and examine your eyes. They may also recommend seeing a  primary physician to do  allergy skin testing to determine what you may be allergic to.

How to Avoid Common Triggers

If it is determined that you have allergic conjunctivitis, you will likely have a range of treatment options available. One of the best things you can do is to try to avoid the trigger in the first place. This, of course, is much easier to do if your eye allergies are triggered by something like pet dander. Pollen, however, is much more difficult to avoid.  You can minimize your exposure to pollen by staying indoors, keeping windows closed, and using air conditioning.

Likewise, for a mold spore allergy, be aware that this can be worse in damp weather, meaning it may be a good idea to avoid going out on rainy days when spores are likely in the air. You should also prevent any fallen leaves or compost from collecting too close to the house.

To avoid dust mites, you may need to replace your drapery and furniture with washable options, or get furniture made from leather or vinyl instead of cloth. You may also try steam cleaning carpets and making sure bedding and clothing are washed in hot water regularly.

Eye Allergy Treatment Options

If you can’t avoid allergens, the next best thing is calming the reaction, flush allergens away, and prevent flare-ups. Start with simple home care and lubricating drops, then add over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as needed. If symptoms continue or are severe, contact your eye doctor for stronger therapies.

Allergen Avoidance and Home Care

The best way to treat eye allergies is to avoid allergens entirely, washing your face after exposure and showering at bedtime so allergens don’t transfer to your pillow. It’s also essential to wash your clothes and bedding frequently and avoid irritants like cigarette smoke as much as possible. If you wear contacts, make sure to keep them and their case as clean as possible and consider wearing glasses on high-pollen days to avoid allergens sticking to your contact lenses. 

You can also use common home items to lessen the symptoms. A cool compress can soothe itching and swelling; simply run a rag under cold water, squeeze out the excess water, and rest it on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. 

Antihistamine Drops and Artificial Tears

Artificial tears help rinse allergens off the eye surface and relieve burning or grittiness. Preservative-free options are best, especially if you use them more than a few times per day. You can also use antihistamine drops once or twice per day (depending on the product) to target itching fast and reduce redness or tearing. Finally, if you’re noticing redness without itchiness, you can use decongestant “redness-relief” drops to shrink surface blood vessels for short term relief. 

Medicines

Over-the-counter, you can use antihistamine tablets to help when nasal or whole-body allergy symptoms accompany eye allergies. They may add to dry eye symptoms, so make sure to pair with artificial tears and discuss options with your eye doctor if dryness worsens. 

If you notice that over-the-counter or at-home remedies aren’t working, contact your eye doctor. They can prescribe stronger treatments like mast cell stabilizers, which can help prevent the release of histamine in the eyes. Some newer prescription drugs combine antihistamines with mast cell stabilizing drops. These include Elestat® (epinastine),  Zaditor® (ketotifen), or Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride). These drops are potent against itching, redness, burning, and tearing symptoms. During severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and swelling. However, because steroids can raise eye pressure or increase infection risk, they should only be used under an eye doctor’s supervision. 

Eye Conditions with Similar Symptoms to Allergic Conjunctivitis

Eye allergies may not be the reason for your symptoms. Contacting an allergist is the most effective way to treat mild to severe conditions caused by allergies. Some conditions you shouldn’t ignore include: 

• Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergy that causes symptoms like sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and a sore throat.

• Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when tears can’t provide enough lubrication for your eyes. This tear instability will lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface. 

• Pink eye (seasonal allergies conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid. Pink eye is typically caused by bacteria, allergic reaction, or – in babies – an opened tear duct. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact an eye care professional at Clarkson Eyecare.