Eye allergies (aka allergic conjunctivitis) are a reaction to an irritant such as pollen, dust, mold, smoke, pet dander or a perfume. To combat an allergen, the eyes naturally release histamine into the bloodstream, which triggers unpleasant symptoms. Identifying which specific allergens irritate your eyes is a great tool for cutting down on future discomfort. Here is what the team at InVision Eye Care Specialists recommends if you suspect you may have ocular allergies.
Most people’s eyes tend to react to allergens in a similar manner. If you suspect you may have an eye allergy, monitor yourself for the following symptoms:
Itchy or burning sensation
Redness
Teary eyes
Swollen eyelids
Light sensitivity
Runny nose
Sinus headache
Although some of these symptoms can overlap with those of an eye infection, eye infection symptoms tend to be more serious and cause more pain. If your symptoms are worse than mild irritation, it is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor to check on your ocular health.
At InVision Eye Care Specialists, we offer our patients B&L’s reputable and FDA-approved Doctor’s Allergy Formula diagnostic test. This is one of the most effective ways to test your body’s tolerance for 60 common allergens, including those that are predominant in New Jersey.
The test is as simple as pricking the skin (no needle necessary). Once the sample is collected, it can be analyzed immediately at our office, with results available within 15 minutes. The test either identifies or rules out dozens of potential allergens. This information can help determine the appropriate treatment or indicate that the problem may be an eye surface disease rather than an allergy.
Many insurance plans cover this test, so there is no reason not to get to the bottom of your eye irritation.
The first rule when it comes to eye allergies is to resist the urge to rub your eyes. Rubbing just releases more histamines, which aggravates the symptoms.
Depending on which allergens are found to irritate your eyes, you may be able to avoid exposure (pet dander or perfume) to minimize the symptoms. Saline or medicated over-the-counter eyedrops can help to wash allergens from the eyes and achieve relief. Patients who experience an ongoing allergy may need prescription medication or even allergy shots (aka immunotherapy) to protect their eyes.
If you are ready to cut down on burning, red eyes and would like to try our quick and accurate allergy test, please call (732) 607-8515 to arrange an appointment. InVision Eye Care Specialists sees patients from Lakewood, NJ, Ocean County, Monmouth County and the greater New Jersey area.
