What you need to know about
Eye allergies
What are eye allergies?
- Reaction to allergens that causes itchy, burning, watery, red eyes
- Also known as allergic conjunctivitis, a condition that affects millions of Americans
Signs and symptoms
- Itching
- Redness
- Burning
- Clear, watery discharge
Triggers
- Outdoor allergens such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds
- Indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites and mold
- Irritants such as cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust
Prevention
Avoid triggers by:
- Keeping windows closed during high pollen periods
- Using air conditioning in your home and car
- Wearing glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes
- Using “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold/dust mite levels
- Taking special care not to touch your eyes or face after petting animals until you wash your hands
Treatment
- Try non-prescription over-the-counter medications:
- Artificial tears
- Decongestant eye drops (for no longer than five consecutive days)
- Oral antihistamines (may dry eyes and make symptoms worse)
- See an allergist, who can identify triggers through allergy skin testing (Read more here) and may prescribe more effective medications:
- Eye drops (decongestant, antihistamine, mast cell stabilizer, corticosteroid, NSAID)
- Non-sedating oral antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids
- Allergy shots, drops or tablets (immunotherapy) (Read more here)
