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Everything About Common Eye Allergies by an Eye Specialist in Goregaon
Do your eyes frequently get red, swollen and itchy? Are they often watery and irritated, especially during certain seasons? You may be suffering from ocular allergies without even realizing it.
In this article, we will overview the most widespread eye allergies people experience and their bothersome symptoms.
Explained Senior Eye Specialist in Goregaon, Mumbai – Dr Anurag Agarwal
What Causes Eye Allergies?
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to substances that are harmless for most people. These irritants trigger the mucous membranes of the eyes to become inflamed and release histamines as a defence mechanism.
Common eye allergy triggers include
- Pollen from trees, grasses, weeds
- Mold spores
- Dust mites, pet dander
- Certain cosmetics, eye drops
- Pollution, cigarette smoke
Genetics and environment also play a role in ocular allergy development. Those with asthma, eczema and seasonal nasal allergies have an elevated risk. Climate change extending pollen seasons doesn’t help either.
6 Major Types of Eye Allergies
There are two main categories of ocular allergies, and within them over six specific types that can plague your eyes with frustrating symptoms:
I. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) – As seasons change, so do airborne pollen counts. Exposure causes red, drippy eyes.
- Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC) – Year-round reaction to indoor/outdoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and dander.
II. Chronic Eye Allergy Issues
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)– Severe seasonal eye swelling, itching, and discharge in warm months. More prevalent in kids, and teens.
- Atopic Kerato Conjunctivitis (AKC) – Chronic, intense eye inflammation brought on by multiple environmental allergies, causes vision damage if left untreated. Associated with eczema, asthma.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) – Eye irritation from chronic mechanical rubbing between eyelids and materials. Commonly contact lens wearers.
- Dry Eyes/Chronic Dry Eye – Insufficient tears cause eye redness, stinging, blurry vision, light sensitivity. Also triggered by elements like medications, cosmetics and pollution.
As you can see, eye allergies have many sources and dimensions. Determining your specific ocular allergy is crucial for proper treatment and symptom management.
Common Bothersome Eye Allergy Symptoms
Though irritation may differ between allergy types, most result in some mix of these symptoms:
- Itching eyes
- Burning eyes
- Excessive watering
- Swollen eyelids
- Red eyes
- Stringy mucous discharge
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eyelid scabbing/bumps (severe cases)
For many, allergies flare up seasonally when pollens peak. Others battle chronic daily eye issues year-round from dust mites, pet dander or other triggers. Episodes range from nagging to quite severe.
Allergy-related eye rubbing and inflammation can also lead to problematic conditions like styes, blepharitis or even corneal ulcers for contact lens wearers. Any sudden vision changes warrant immediate medical care.
When to See an Eye Doctor - Explained by Eye Specialist in Goregaon, Mumbai
If symptoms persists for more than 2 days then, properly diagnose your specific ocular allergy and shape an effective treatment plan.
Come in right away if you experience:
- Vision changes/damage
- Intolerable eye pain
- Extreme redness and swelling
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks
- Signs of infection
The sooner your eye allergies are under control, the lower your risk of issues like vision loss, astigmatism, cataracts and eye trauma from relentless rubbing and inflammation.
Proven Eye Allergy Treatments
After pinpointing your eye allergies, eye specialists can offer proven medical treatments to significantly ease swelling, irritation, tearing, mucous and other debilitating symptoms.
- Oral Medication – Oral Medication Blocks immune response cells that cause allergic reactions. Alleviate eye redness, and itching. Works best if taken daily.
- Prescription Eye Drops – There are many Powerful eye drops which are specially formulated to treat eye allergies and inflammation without many side effects.
- Allergen Avoidance – Lessen exposure to eye allergy triggers within your control, like pet dander, irritating cosmetics/drops, dust mites, yard work, and cigarette smoke.
Depending on allergy severity, we may employ single or combined therapies for adequate relief.
Eye Specialists also suggest practical at-home remedies like cold compresses, preservative-free lubricating eye drops and washing eyelids daily with gentle cleansers. This helps remove pollen, pet dander and other allergy irritants.
Don’t Let Eye Allergies Impair Your Vision and Comfort. If red, swollen, itchy eyes frequently interfere with your visibility and daily life, you don’t have to continue suffering.
Book Appointment with Eye Specialist in Goregaon, Mumbai - Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic
Contact Senior Eye Surgeon in Mumbai – Dr Anurag S. Agarwal. Dr Anurag Agarwal is available at 4 Hospitals in Mumbai Suburban.
- Apex Hospital – Borivali West
- Criticare Asia- Malad West
- Jain Hospital – Goregaon West
- Shree Sai Clinic – Goregaon West
Book an Appointment with Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic in Goregaon, Mumbai Suburban today to schedule a thorough allergy evaluation.