Allergies to the eyes, commonly known as allergic conjunctivitis, are very typical. They happen when the eyes respond angrily to something (called an allergen). Histamine is a chemical produced by the eyes to combat the allergen. The outcome is red, puffy, and itchy eyelids and conjunctiva. The eyes may burn and tear. Eye allergies cannot be transmitted from one person to another like other types of conjunctivitis can.
Itchy, stuffy noses, sneezing, and nasal allergies are frequently present in people with eye allergies. It is typically a transient ailment brought on by seasonal allergens.
Many eye allergies are brought on by allergens in the air, both inside and outside. Among these allergies are pollen from grass, trees and ragweed, dust, pet dander, mold and smoke. Your allergies may become more severe if you are unable to avoid the cause. Significant burning, stinging, and even light sensitivity are possible.
An allergic reaction to a medicine, cosmetic, or fragrance can also result in an allergic reaction in the eyes. The preservative compounds in lubricating eye drops or prescription eye drops may cause allergies in some persons. If at all possible, they should substitute preservative-free drops.
Other allergens that do not always come into direct contact with the eyes can occasionally cause an allergic reaction in the eyes. These can include specific foods or insect bites or stings.
Some people get their parents’ allergy to the eyes. If both of your parents suffer from allergies, you are more likely to as well than if only one does.
The most typical signs of an eye allergy include red, swollen or itchy eyes, burning or tearing of the eyes and sensitivity to light.
You might sneeze, have a stuffy, itchy nose, and nasal allergies. In addition, you can get a cough, an itchy or sore throat, or a headache.
Your ophthalmologist will determine if you have allergic conjunctivitis or an eye infection in order to administer the appropriate medication. Typically, they have no trouble diagnosing allergic conjunctivitis. They will look for indications of ocular allergies, such as enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the eye, using a slit-lamp microscope. Your medical background and the history of allergies in your family will be discussed with you.
Your eye doctor may perform a test to see if there are any particular white blood cells in there. If your allergies are severe or if it is unclear whether you have allergic conjunctivitis, they will do this procedure. The conjunctiva will be carefully scraped, and the tissue will be examined for the presence of those white blood cells.
Avoiding or limiting contact with the chemical causing the problem is the key to treating eye allergies. But you must be aware of what to avoid. An allergist can conduct a skin or blood test if necessary to assist identify the particular allergy.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
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