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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