Eye Allergies

Seasonal allergies can make your eyes itchy, watery, and red. If you’re struggling with eye allergies, contact Vistasite Eye Care of Sheepshead Bay and optometrist Stanislav Ilyusha, OD, in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The eye care team offers solutions for your allergy symptoms so you feel more comfortable even when allergy season is raging. Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment if you suffer from allergies that affect your eyes.

What causes eye allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts. When your body perceives a usually nonharmful item or compound as a threat, it releases histamines, which cause allergy symptoms like eye redness and itching, runny nose, and congestion. 

What symptoms suggest I have eye allergies?

Eye allergies are not contagious; they cannot be spread to other people.

The following symptoms commonly occur when you have eye allergies:

• Redness
• Swelling in the eyelids
• Itching
• Excessive tearing

In addition, you may have sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose, which are common signs of seasonal allergies. Eye allergies can also occur in reaction to mold, pet dander, smoke, and dust. 

Some people have eye allergies related to certain chemicals, perfumes, or eye drops. 

How can I reduce symptoms of eye allergies?

The best way to avoid eye allergy symptoms is to avoid triggers. If you know you have sensitivities when pollen counts are high or when you encounter dust or pet dander, avoid these triggers as much as possible. Stay inside, use air conditioning, and wash your hands often. 

Over-the-counter eye drops can also help provide relief. If you have eye allergy symptoms, avoid rubbing your eyes, wear wrap-around sunglasses outdoors, and use sterile saline rinses to flush out allergens. 

If your eye allergies are related to seasonal allergies, oral antihistamines, and immunotherapy can help.

How do you treat eye allergies?

If you struggle with moderate or severe allergies, you may benefit from prescription eye drops that contain steroids or antihistamines. Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops can also help decrease any swelling and inflammation associated with eye allergies. 

Decongestant eye drops are another possible solution. They reduce eye redness by constricting blood vessels in your eyes. Certain allergy drops containing ketotifen reduce allergy symptoms for up to 12 hours. 

Don’t always assume your red eyes and swollen lids are due to allergies. Visit Vistasite Eye Care of Sheepshead Bay to make sure you don’t have an infection like conjunctivitis. 

Get relief from bothersome eye allergies. Call Vistasite Eye Care of Sheepshead Bay to schedule your appointment, or use this website to book online.