Common Eye Allergy Triggers

If you're experiencing allergies, it's likely that you came in contact with an allergen or something that triggers allergies, whether indoors or outdoors.

Indoor Allergy Triggers

Dust mites, pet dander, and mold are the top indoor triggers. These allergens can cause ongoing symptoms throughout the year. These are also known as perennial allergens. Washing your hands, applying artificial tears, and deep cleaning your home can help when avoiding them irritate allergens.

Outdoor Allergy Triggers

Outdoor allergy triggers are typically lingering in the outdoor air. If your eyes appear to get red and swollen when you go outside during the spring or summer months, you are likely experiencing seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. It is recommended to stay indoors, keep your home windows closed, and run the air conditioning when the pollen count is high.

Mold spores are also known to trigger allergies. This allergen is activated by damp to wet weather. It is recommended to stay indoors as spores are likely to be in the air.

If you're allergic to something, your body releases a chemical known as histamine. Histamine causes blood vessels to swell and become red, as well as causing itchiness and wateriness to the eyes.

Eye Allergy Symptoms To Look For

Common eye allergy symptoms include:

• A burning sensation

• Itchy eyes

• Puffy eyelids

• Tearing

• Sensitivity to light

Eye allergies can happen alone or follow nasal allergies with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a sore throat.

An eye doctor can determine if you are allergic to a specific allergen by taking a full history and examining your eyes. They may also recommend seeing a primary physician to do allergy skin testing to determine what you may be allergic to specifically.

Eye Allergy Treatments Available To You

Finding the right treatment is always beneficial when dealing with irritating eye allergies. Some suggested home remedies and over the counter medications include: 

• Washing your face after  contact with an allergen

• Frequently washing your clothes and bedding

• Keeping your contact lenses and lens case clean

• Showering before bed

• Avoid wearing contact lenses 

• Using a cool compress to soothe your eyes

• Using artificial tears to lubricate the eye surface and clear away allergens

• Avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke

• Using over-the-counter agents, such as antihistamine or decongestant eye drops or even oral antihistamines. Oral antihistamines can be great for immediate relief, but they can ultimately dry out your eyes. 

If you are experiencing intense allergic reactions, you may need a prescription. We recommend talking to your eye doctor about the following options: 

• Steroid eye drops to reduce swelling

• Mast-cell stabilizing eye drops that can keep symptoms at bay by preventing the eyes from releasing histamines in the first place. These are usually only available with a prescription and include drugs called Alomide® (lodoxamide), Alocril® (nedocromil sodium), Alamast® (pemirolast potassium) and Crolom® (cromolyn). These work best when taken before coming in contact with allergen, such as in the weeks leading up to the start of a seasonal allergy, as well as during the allergy season.

• Some newer prescription drugs combine antihistamines with mast cell stabilizing drops. These include Elestat® (epinastine),  Zaditor® (ketotifen), or Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride). These drops are potent against itching, redness, burning and tearing symptoms.

Conditions Caused by Eye Allergies

For some individuals, allergy symptoms can be barely noticeable. Others may experience severe symptoms. Here are a few conditions you shouldn’t ignore: 

• Allergic Rhinitis – also known as hay fever – is an allergy that affects the nose, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and a sore throat.

• Dry Eye is a common condition that occurs when tears can’t provide enough lubrication for your eyes. This tear instability will lead to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface. 

• Pink Eye (seasonal allergies conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid. Pink eye is typically caused by bacteria or allergic reactions. 

If you notice any of these symptoms occurring, contact an eye care professional at eyecarecenter.