From the first gust of pollen to the sneaky dust mite invasion, your eyes are on the frontline of allergic conjunctivitis, reacting with tears, redness, and relentless itching that can ruin your day.
Fortunately—allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious. That doesn’t mean that it’s not uncomfortable for you, though. Eye allergies are often not difficult to treat, especially if you can pinpoint their triggers. You should contact your eye doctor for an eye exam to find relief if over-the-counter home remedies aren’t helping. The optometrist can determine if there’s another underlying cause for your symptoms, such as dry eye disease, or offer you more effective prescription treatments.
Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergies or allergic pink eye, kicks in when your body’s immune system mistakes an innocent allergen for a dangerous invader and goes into defense mode. Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or certain cosmetics are all common triggers for this allergic reaction. Some people sneeze, others get hives, but many experience serious eye discomfort. The reaction and inflammation that allergic conjunctivitis causes can translate into itchy, watery, and red eyes.
The tell-tale signs of allergic conjunctivitis are hard to miss. If your eyes are more watery than a romantic movie marathon or itchier than a wool sweater, along with redness, you’re likely experiencing eye allergies. Diagnosis usually involves a chat with your eye doctor about your symptoms and maybe some tests to rule out other potential issues such as dry eye disease.
Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Not all allergic conjunctivitis is the same. The first common type is seasonal eye allergies, showing up predictably when pollen counts soar. Then we have the perennial type, which typically has milder symptoms but lingers throughout the year. Each type has its own quirks, but the core mission of making your eyes miserable remains constant.
Managing & Treating Allergic Conjunctivitis
While avoidance is a great strategy, sometimes the allergens get the best of us. Here are a few moves you can make for symptom relief:
- Stay cool: Cold compresses can be your best friend, helping soothe those fiery eyes.
- Minimize exposure: Try to avoid sources of allergens, and try not to touch your eyes unless you’ve recently given your hands a good wash.
- Rinse away and protect: Regularly flushing your eyes with saline solutions can help evict unwelcome allergen guests. Showering after coming inside during high pollen times can be beneficial.
- Wearing hats and sunglasses while outside: Doing these things offers the 2-fold benefit of protection from the sun and helping block some allergens from getting into your eyes.
- Over-the-counter allies: Antihistamines and decongestant eye drops can be effective sidekicks in your battle against itchiness and swelling.
- Prescription medication: Various medications can lower your immune response or reduce inflammation. Your eye doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger if OTC variations aren’t working.
When to See a Doctor
Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, but it may be a good idea to book an appointment with your eye doctor if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms that OTC or home remedies don’t help. They can prescribe stronger medications or explore other treatment avenues.
Preventative Measures
While it’s tough to live in a bubble to completely avoid allergens, there are steps you can take to minimize encounters. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, wash your hands and face after outdoor adventures, and consider getting an air purifier to keep indoor air clean. Every little action helps in keeping those allergens at bay.
Other Forms of Conjunctivitis
You may not always need to seek medical attention for allergic pink eye. But there are a couple of other potential types of pink eye that one can get, and they may need more treatment than a home remedy can give.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is like the common cold but for your eyes. It’s super contagious, so good hand hygiene is your first defense. Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes and a sand-in-the-eye sensation. Unfortunately, there’s no magic cure. Symptom management is typically the best course of action until the virus decides to pack its bags.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically requires treatment to rid your body of the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are often the go-to here. Your eye doctor can provide the right prescription to kick the infection if they determine that bacterial conjunctivitis is the cause of your symptoms.
Discuss Your Symptoms with Your Eye Doctor
While allergic conjunctivitis won’t have you wearing a medical mask to prevent sharing it with friends, understanding the condition, managing symptoms, and taking preventive actions can help you keep those peepers happy and healthy. Reaching out to healthcare professionals is always when the battle gets too tough.
Call our team to book an appointment at Total Vision Lake Elsinore. One of our experienced eye doctors can review your symptoms and help you find relief after examining your eyes.
