Eye allergies are a very common problem. Each year, a number of Americans suffer from various types of eye allergies. These eye allergies usually happen due to various causes such as pollen, dust, pets, feathers, or other reasons. The eye allergy symptoms may cause your eyes to become red, blurry, swollen, dry, or watery depending on different types of allergies. Most eye allergies are easily cured when treated on time.
Eye allergies can be classified into two broad categories
- Seasonal (which happen during specific periods) and
- Perennial (which may happen year-round).
Following are the most common eye allergies, their symptoms, causes, and treatments to help you stay ahead of your symptoms and take preventive measures:
1) Pink eye
Pink eye can be either bacterial or viral conjunctivitis which can be contagious. It is most common in children and adults. It is usually a minor infection, but it can sometimes become a serious problem.
Symptoms
It usually causes the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Swollen eyelids and puffy eyes
- Mucopurulent discharge
- Itchiness
- Dryness or watery eyes
- Stinging pain in the eyes
Treatment
The treatment depends on whether the specific cause of the allergy is bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. It is recommended to consult with an expert ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye check-up. The general treatment includes eye drops, ointments, and medication.
2) Pollen allergy
Pollen allergy is mostly a seasonal infection. During the summer or hay-cutting season, the pollen particles in the wind may cause pollen allergies to many people. It is a non-contagious allergy in most cases.
Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Itchy sinuses, throat, or ears
Treatment
If you get seasonal allergies, it is recommended to consult with your doctor ahead of time to get an appropriate medication prescription.
3) Styes
It is usually an active infection that results from a bacterial infection in the oil glands in the eyelid. It may result in swelling or lumps under the eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes. It looks somewhat similar to pink eye, but it is not contagious. However, it can be quite painful and obstruct your vision.
Symptoms
- A red lump under your eyelid
- Pain
- Pus
- Swelling
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
Treatment
It is usually treatable by using the topical ointment or eye drops prescribed by your doctor. You can also use a warm or cold compress to help relieve the discomfort. If it is a recurrent problem, it is best to get an eye examination and the appropriate treatment from an expert ophthalmologist.
4) Allergies due to chemical products
Sometimes your eyes may become irritated and flare up due to an adverse reaction to certain chemicals or elements in your daily use products such as makeup, perfume, soap, etc.
Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Stinging pain
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision itchiness or other specific symptoms
Treatment
When it comes to allergic reactions triggered due to specific substances, a comprehensive eye examination is required to determine the cause of the infection to provide appropriate treatment. In that case, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an eye expert in Bergen, NJ.
5)Keratitis
Keratitis is the inflammation of the eye’s cornea. It could be caused by various infections, dry eyes, bacteria, parasites, or sometimes due to wearing contact lenses for too long.
Symptoms
-
- Eye redness
- Tearing
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Difficulty opening your eyelid due to irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling like something is in your eye.
Treatment
In this case, immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent vision loss. The treatment may include medications such as antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the infection.
If you experience any eye allergies, it is highly recommended to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an expert ophthalmologist.
The New Jersey Eye Center is among the leading vision care centers in New Jersey. From common infections to laser surgeries with advanced equipment, we have been providing a range of reliable eye treatments in NJ for many years. Consult with our expert eye doctors by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam today.
