Eye Allergy

Eye allergy symptoms can be irritating

Eye Allergy

In eye allergy our immune system recognize few harmless substance as harmful and react against it leading to allergic manifestation.

The primary types of eye allergy are

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis- SAC
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis- PAC
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis
Contact allergic conjunctivitis
Giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Causes:

The most common allergen include

Pollen
Mold spores
Dust mites
Pet dander

Symptoms :

Most common symptoms include:

Watery eyes
Itchiness in the eye
Sensitivity to light
Redness
Eyelid swelling

These symptoms can occur alone or along with allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms.

Treatment

Consult with allergist
Eye allergy symptoms can be very annoying
Over-the-counter oral antihistamines and eye drops are often used for short-term. However, prolonged use of some eye drops can cause rebound of symptoms.
Artificial tears
Corticosteroid eye drops are effective, but they often have side effects.
Immunotherapy

Oral anti-histamines. Over the counter or prescribed antihistamines.

Loratadine

Cetirizine

Fexofenadine

Desloratidine

levocetirizine

Prescription eye drops. Eye drops which may be helpful include topical antihistamines, topical mast cell stabilizers, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. When very severe, topical steroid drops may be prescribed as well.

Topical antihistamines may be helpful and include:

epinastine

bepotastine

azelastine

cromolyn sodium

ketotifen

olopatidine

When symptoms are very severe, topical steroids may be needed, but should only be used for severe symptoms and under the close guidance of a physician.