Allergies
What Are Eye Allergies?
When a person shows an allergic reaction, the eyes often
become affected. Their eyes turn red easily, become itchy
and irritated, and they can also become watery. Rubbing the
eyes seems to offer comfort, but the truth is that rubbing
eyes which are responding to an allergic reaction often compounds
the discomfort.
Usually, eye allergies are accompanied by nasal allergies,
but they can happen without involving the nose. Eye allergies
are triggered when an allergen gets in touch with the eyes.
The mast cells, which are cells inside the eyes, release histamines
and other chemicals and their release triggers symptoms including
irritation and inflammation.
Conjunctivitis allergies are a specific category of allergies
which affect the eyes. Conjunctivitis is usually triggered
by an outdoor seasonal allergen such as ragweed or grass.
Conjunctivitis allergies also called Hay Fever conjunctivitis.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is seasonal in nature and mainly
impacts children. With this type of eye allergy, the edges
around the outside of the cornea are affected. Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
is similar with the difference being which it affects adults.
It is a chronic condition and it's one which can cause the
eyes to become scarred if not treated.
Symptoms of Allergies
When exposure to an allergen happens, the body reacts by
releasing histamines. Histamine release will cause fluids
to build up in the nasal cavity, sinuses and also on the surface
of the eye and the insides of the eyelids. This release is
also a source of major irritation. On top of the irritation,
the eyes may become red and watery, and the eyes and eyelids
will swell. Besides all these visible symptoms, eye allergies
may cause a feeling which something is stuck inside the eye
or a feeling that the eye is being scratched. Vision can also
become blurry or hazy or otherwise unclear.
Early Treatment
The most effective treatment for allergies is to avoid those
that trigger allergic reactions. Many everyday cosmetics such
as mascara, eye liners and eye brow pencils and face creams
are all the triggers of an allergic reaction. In some cases,
eye allergies can be caused by wearing contact lenses. Dust
mites, mold and pet dander can also cause eye allergies.
Detection of allergies is the key to effective treatment.
It's important to make a note of what a person had been exposed
to immediately before the allergic reaction happened. Over
time, patterns will become obvious. Once the culprit has been
identified, steps should be taken to limit exposure to the
allergen.
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