Overview
~ If your eyes itch and are red, tearing or burning, you may have eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), a condition that affects millions of Americans.
~ Many people will treat their nasal allergy symptoms but ignore their itchy, red, watery eyes.
~ Many people will treat their nasal allergy symptoms but ignore their itchy, red, watery eyes.
Symptoms
~ The primary types of eye allergy are seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, contact allergic conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis.
- Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis
- Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is by far the most common type of eye allergy.
- Patients experience symptoms in spring, summer or fall, depending on the type of plant pollens in the air.
- Typical symptoms include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Burning
- Clear, watery discharge
- People with SAC may have chronic dark circles (known as allergic shiners) under their eyes.
- The eyelids may be puffy, and bright lights may be bothersome.
- The itching may be so bothersome that patients rub their eyes frequently, making symptoms worse and potentially causing infection.
- Perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC), as its name implies, occurs year-round.
- Symptoms are the same as with SAC, but tend to be milder.
- They are caused by reactions to dust mites, mold, pet dander or other household allergens, rather than pollen.
- Verbal Keratoconjunctivitis
- It's a more serious eye allergy than SAC or PAD.
- While it can occur year-round, symptoms may worsen seasonally.
- It primarily occurs in boys and young men; about 75% of patients also have eczema or asthma
- Symptoms:
- Itching
- Significant tearing and production of thick mucus
- Foreign body sensation (The feeling of having something in the eye)
- Photophobia ( Aversion to light )
- Symptoms:
- If left untreated, vernal keratoconjunctivitis can impair vision.
- Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
- This type of allergy primarily affects older patients mostly men with a history of allergic dermatitis
- Symptoms can occur year round and are similar to those of vernal keratoconjunctivitis
- Symptoms:
- Severe itching
- Burning
- Redness
- Significant production of thick mucus that may cause the eyelids to stick together after sleep
- Symptoms:
- If left untreated, atopic keratoconjunctivitis can result in scarring of the cornea and its delicate membrane
- Contact allergic conjunctivitis
- This can result from irritation by contact lenses or by the proteins from tears that blind to the surface of the lens.
- Symptoms:
- Redness
- Itching
- Mucous discharge
- Lens discomfort
- Symptoms:
- This can result from irritation by contact lenses or by the proteins from tears that blind to the surface of the lens.
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis
- Associated with wearing contact lenses, giant papillary conjunctivitis is a severe form of contact allergic conjunctivitis in which individual fluid sacs, or papules, form in the upper lining of the inner eyelid.
- Symptoms:
- Itching
- Puffiness
- Tearing
- Mucous Discharge
- Blurred Vision
- Poor tolerance for wearing contact lenses
- Foreign body sensation
- Symptoms:
- Associated with wearing contact lenses, giant papillary conjunctivitis is a severe form of contact allergic conjunctivitis in which individual fluid sacs, or papules, form in the upper lining of the inner eyelid.
Management & Treatments
~ The first approach in managing seasonal or perennial forms of eye allergy should be to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms.
~ Nonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) eyedrops and oral medications are commonly used for short-term relief of some symptoms. They may not relieve all symptoms, and prolonged use of some OTC eyedrops may actually cause your condition to worsen.
~ Prescription eyedrops and oral medications also are used to treat eye allergies. The prescription drops provide both short- and long-term targeted relief of eye allergy symptoms. Your allergist can help determine which treatments are best for you.
~ Children can be treated with both OTC and prescription eyedrops and medications. Artificial tears are safe and can be used at any age. Some eyedrops, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, can be used in children 3 and older. Any treatment should be discussed with your child’s physician.
- Outdoor exposure:
- Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are at their peak, usually during the midmorning and early evening, and when wind is blowing pollens around.
- Avoid using window fans that can draw pollens and molds into the house.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize the amount of pollen getting into your eyes.
- Try not to rub your eyes, which will irritate them and could make your condition worse.
- Indoor exposure:
- Keep windows closed, and use air conditioning in your car and home. Air conditioning units should be kept clean.
- Reduce exposure to dust mites, especially in the bedroom. Use “mite-proof” covers for pillows, comforters and duvets, and mattresses and box springs. Wash your bedding frequently, using hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit).
- To limit exposure to mold, keep the humidity in your home low (between 30 and 50 percent) and clean your bathrooms, kitchen and basement regularly. Use a dehumidifier, especially in the basement and in other damp, humid places, and empty and clean it often. If mold is visible, clean it with detergent and a 5 percent bleach solution.
- Clean floors with a damp rag or mop, rather than dry-dusting or sweeping.
- Exposure to pets:
- Wash your hands immediately after petting any animals. Wash your clothes after visiting friends with pets.
- If you are allergic to a household pet, keep it out of your home as much as possible. If the pet must be inside, keep it out of the bedroom so you are not exposed to animal allergens while you sleep.
- Close the air ducts to your bedroom if you have forced-air or central heating or cooling. Replace carpeting with hardwood, tile or linoleum, all of which are easier to keep dander-free.
~ Nonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) eyedrops and oral medications are commonly used for short-term relief of some symptoms. They may not relieve all symptoms, and prolonged use of some OTC eyedrops may actually cause your condition to worsen.
~ Prescription eyedrops and oral medications also are used to treat eye allergies. The prescription drops provide both short- and long-term targeted relief of eye allergy symptoms. Your allergist can help determine which treatments are best for you.
~ Children can be treated with both OTC and prescription eyedrops and medications. Artificial tears are safe and can be used at any age. Some eyedrops, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, can be used in children 3 and older. Any treatment should be discussed with your child’s physician.