Eye Allergy Symptoms Leave You Searching for Relief

If your eyes get red and itchy during specific times of the year, or when you are exposed to an irritant like pet dander, you may be experiencing allergy eye symptoms. Often times other typical allergic reactions, like coughing and sneezing, accompany these.

More than 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergy that may result in eye symptoms, which can include:

In many people, eye allergy symptoms tend to arise during the spring, when grass turns green, leaves grow on trees, and flowers bloom. Along with these delightful outdoor changes comes a seasonal menace -- pollen. When pollen counts are high, people who have a pollen allergy may develop eye allergy symptoms, in addition to typical symptoms like congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and fatigue from lack of sleep. For those whose allergies are not seasonal and are caused by indoor substances such as dust, mold, and animal dander, eye symptoms can become present when in an indoor environment that contains such triggers.

Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to foreign substances, such as pollen, dust, and mold. The immune system goes into overdrive, trying to rid the body of this foreign matter, which causes watery eyes, sneezing, and even headaches from mucus congestion.

Whether you have an indoor or outdoor allergy, symptoms can be disruptive to your lifestyle at home, school, work, or outdoors. If you experience outdoor allergy symptoms, it's advisable to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Close the windows and run the air conditioner. If indoor allergies are problematic, cleaning your home with a damp mop or rag and washing bedding may reduce the substances that cause your allergy symptoms. These steps, along with regular dry dusting, can cut down on pet dander, dust, and mold. Additionally, avoid rubbing your eyes if your allergy triggers eye symptoms. This irritation could make your symptoms worse.

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are used for eye allergy symptom treatment, but your best bet for relief is to avoid the irritant that sets off your reaction. You can also look into natural allergy fighting substances, like immune boosting supplements, which may provide you with relief and prevent future allergic reactions.