Itchy, water eyes, eye allergies and allergic conjunctivitis are extremely common especially during pollen season and ragweed or hay fever season. In fact, as many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a very common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, which is the clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as Allergic Conjunctivitis.
Symptoms often develop rapidly after exposure to the allergen and include itching, tearing, burning, red eyes, mucus discharge and eyelid swelling. The conjunctiva is the same type of skin that lines the inside of the nose. Therefore, the same allergens can cause similar types of allergic reactions in both the eyes and the nose. The most common forms of allergens include pollen from grass, trees and weeds as well as dust, molds, and pet dander. The attacks are usually short-lived and absent during other times of the year. Some symptoms can occur year-round and are typically caused by dust and/or pet dander.
There are a number of non-prescription and prescription eye drops that we can use to help alleviate the discomfort of Allergic Conjunctivitis and several prescription eye drops that will offer symptomatic relief as well as reducing the actual allergic response.
Holden Eye Care
1355 Main St
Holden, MA 01520
Phone: (508) 829-6731
Fax: (508) 829-6732
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