Your
Eye Allergy May Give You Something to Cry About
Red,
burning, and tearing eyes are nothing to sneeze at. Eye
allergies are more than annoying; they will also affect
your quality of life. Similar to any allergy, the symptoms
of eye allergies are quite disruptive and may prevent your
ability to work, participate in recreational activities,
or enjoy the comfort of your own home. Eye allergies may
occur alone, or can be coupled with other allergic symptoms
like congestion, sneezing, and a stuffy nose.
Eye
allergies are caused when your immune system overreacts
to foreign substances which are usually harmless. While
a typical person’s immune system would fight eye
infections while ignoring harmless allergens, the person
with eye allergies has an immune system that responds to
simple dust or pollen by making the eyes swollen, itchy,
red, and watery. These allergic reactions mainly affect
the clear layer of skin that covers the eyes. Other symptoms
of eye allergies include mucous discharge and the sensation
of a foreign body in the eye.
Eye
allergies may be triggered by a host of different allergens.
The first method of treatment for eye allergies is to find
a way to avoid the allergen. Common eye allergens include:
- Pollen
from grass, weeds, or trees
- Pet
hair or dander
- Dust
mites
- Molds
Cigarette
smoke, exhaust fumes, and perfume may worsen eye allergies,
but these substances do not cause eye allergies themselves.
The good news about eye allergies is that they usually will
not harm your eyesight in the same way a disease like eye
cataract would.
If
your eye allergies are caused by an outdoor allergen such
as pollen, it’s advised that you stay inside, close
the windows, and use air conditioning when the allergen
count is at its peak. If your eye allergies are caused by
an indoor allergen like dust, it’s a good idea to
wash your bedding, avoid dry dusting, and clean your home
with a mop or damp rag instead. During any type of eye allergy,
you should avoid rubbing your eyes, as this will worsen
the allergic reaction.
Eye
allergies are a common complaint from the 50 million Americans
who suffer from both indoor and outdoor allergies. To avoid
the overuse of over-the-counter medicines that carry side
effects, many people opt for lifestyle changes coupled with
a natural allergy medication.
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