“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the eyes react to certain allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. When an allergen comes into contact with the eyes, the body releases histamines, which cause inflammation and itching.
Symptoms of eye allergies include redness, itching, watering, and swelling of the eyes. These symptoms may be accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or a sore throat. Eye allergies can be seasonal, occurring mainly in the spring and fall when pollen and mold counts are high, or they can be year-round if a person is allergic to dust or pet dander.
The treatment of eye allergies may include avoiding the allergen if possible, using over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, and taking oral antihistamines. Artificial tears can also be used to help relieve dryness and irritation. In some cases, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy, which involves exposing the person to small amounts of the allergen over time in order to desensitize them to the allergen.
Prevention of eye allergies involves avoiding exposure to allergens, such as by keeping windows closed during high pollen count days, using air conditioning and air filters, and washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of allergens.